"Collegiate probably played some of the best netball I've seen them play this season, but our girls rose to the occasion and came out fighting," Murphy said yesterday.
"As usual we played steady, controlled netball. Ngaere Chambers was ill, so Teremai Potaka-Osborne came on at wing defence for the entire game and fitted in extremely well. We are just pleased to remain unbeaten and are now assured a spot in the semifinals," she said.
Defending champions Wanganui Car Centre Kaierau now have a chance at retaining their title with points starting from scratch again from the semifinals.
"We've secured our semifinal spot, so the opportunity is there for us to defend our title from last season," coach Marie Kinloch said yesterday.
"Last night our defensive unit played outstanding netball. In fact, the entire team played very well as a combination. To win 40-34 over Sports Edge was good and well-deserved," she said.
Nga Tawa assured its semifinal berth with a dominant 45-27 over Marist on Monday.
Coach Marama Cameron said her girls did just what she had asked of them.
"It was quite a dominant win in the end and I cleaned the bench with everyone getting game time except one that was crook. It was really pleasing to secure a semifinal spot," Cameron said.
