The Cougars’ two regular round losses to the Titans were insignificant during the knockout clash, which saw Liz White’s side convincingly move through to Sunday's grand final against the TAE Aerospace Ipswich Jets.
“It’s just a new ball game when you make finals, so you never know,” White said.
“I’m pleased with them and proud of them. They fought and put themselves in the game, and stayed in the game.”
The defending premiers were ahead from the start, ruthless in attack and clean in defence, pushing out the goal margin under the dogged command of captain Leesa Mi Mi.
“She (Mi Mi) was outstanding,” White said.
“(Rylee) Burns stepped up. They were the attack end, and just threw it up to Liv (Dijkstra) at the back.”
Olivia Dijkstra was a formidable holding goal shooter, amassing 50 goals as the main receiver of ample ball delivered by Mi Mi at wing attack and Rylee Burns at goal attack.
Titans defender Jess Milne provided moments of inspiration but couldn’t dent the Cougars’ volume of possession, stemming from multiple pickups by young goalkeeper, Lillyana Rennie, who worked beautifully alongside goal defence Gemma Hutchings.
“You’ve got to remember she was in state under-19s,” White said of Rennie.
“They’re young. What I like is that they don’t give away a lot of penalties.”
Hutchings will not be available for grand final duties as she’s representing Australia in FAST5 Netball at the Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games.
White is taking Hutchings’ upcoming absence in her stride, having come to a resigned acceptance that it’s yet another challenge in what has been one of the more unsettled seasons in the club’s history.
“You know Bon Jovi’s song, ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’? That’s what I’ve felt like all season,” White said.
“Leesa and I had a discussion. Leesa said, ‘we’ll make the final four’. I said, ‘if we make that, we’re going to make the final’.”
On Sunday, the Cougars will attempt to defend their HART Sapphire Series premiership against this year’s minor premiers, the Jets, at Nissan Arena from 6pm.
The Queensland Ruby Series grand final will take place from 4pm, with the Carina Leagues Club Tigers favourites against the Titans.
The Titans qualified for the Ruby Series decider with a 53-37 preliminary final win over the Cougars.
Tickets for the grand finals are now on sale.
For all HART Sapphire Series information, please click HERE.
For all Queensland Ruby Series information, please click HERE.
