UJ moved to the top of the log after their victory over Varsity College in Round 3 of Varsity Netball 2025 at the NWU Mafikeng Great Hall.
In the other match at the same venue, NWU managed to outclass Maties.
Wits rallied hard for a well-earned win over Madibaz while defending champions UFS Kovsies proved too much too handle for UP-Tuks at the Callie Human Hall in Bloemfontein.
MADIBAZ 50 - 63 WITS
Wits handed Madibaz their first defeat of the 2025 tournament, leading at the end of each quarter throughout the first match of the day in the Callie Human Hall.
The encounter initially started slowly but Wits soon improved their on court communication to gain the upper hand and eventually pulled ahead with growing confidence and cohesion.
The Joburg-based team led 16-11 after the first 15 minutes.
They increased their lead to 10 goals at halftime (33-23) despite Madibaz’s stronger defence.
Amber Marshall scored effortlessly for Wits, while Hanniska van Vuuren fuelled Madibaz’s spirited play.
Wits settled into rhythm, whereas Madibaz appeared uncertain.
In the third quarter, Madibaz trailed 39–47 but showed greater urgency, winning more turnover ball.
However, rushed attempts led to missed chances. The higher tempo pressured Wits into mistakes.
Both Luane Smith and Kaylin Coetzer grew in confidence, scoring freely, as Madibaz outscored Wits and reduced the deficit to eight, 47-39.
Wits, sensing Madibaz’s pressure, tightened their passing to secure possession.
Madibaz pushed hard in pursuit of a comeback, but Wits stayed composed, extended their lead and sealed an impressive victory.
Congratulations to Amber Marshall who was simply sensational for Wits and collects a well deserved FNB Player of the Match award and cheque powered by FNB eWallet for her instrumental contribution to the decisive Wits win over Madibaz!#iLOVEit pic.twitter.com/e48Dd7O05c
— Varsity Netball (@VarsityNetball) September 1, 2025
Quarter scores: 11-16 | 23-33 | 39-47 | 50-63
Player of the match: Amber Marshall (Wits)
Madibaz: Kaylin Coetzer, Juanita van Tonder, Bronwyn Goosen, Hanniska van Vuuren, Simone Louw, Keagile Magadla, Luyanda Tsotetsi, Mbali Gunyazile, Edon Snyman, Kelly du Toit, Samuelinah Ndizana, Inge van Eyk.
Wits: Alix Horn, Amber Marshall, Ametisse Bandu, Giada Prinsloo, Luane Smith, Mikhe van der Watt, Nomhle Hope Sibiya, Oratile Mokone, Philasande Ntuli, Shani Mokken, Zanele Soviya, Phozisa Ramncwana.
UFS KOVSIES 73 - 37 UP-TUKS
UFS Kovsies made full use of their home ground advantage in Bloemfontein with a runaway victory over UP-Tuks.
The defending champions began the match with precision, using quick, controlled passes and sharp feeds to goal shooter Mari du Raan.
Their aggressive defence forced turnovers, giving them early control. Kovsies’ deadly shooting and balanced attack set the tone from the start, ending the first quarter with a score of 15-8.
In the second quarter, Tuks did everything to try and outsmart their opponents' defence, but Liame de Lange and Reratilwe Letsoalo kept a firm grip, limiting scoring opportunities.
Marichelle Visagie managed to convert a few long-range goals for Tuks, but there was still a 11 goal difference (32-21) at halftime.
The third quarter saw a noticeable increase in tempo. Tuks exploited brief lapses in Kovsies’ focus, but the home team responded with well-drilled, lightning-fast plays that broke through the Tuks defence.
The return of Rolene Streutker in the goal circle during the powerplay added a significant boost, as her accurate shooting helped extend the defending champion’s lead, 55–29.
In the final 15 minutes, Kovsies maintained urgency and composure.
Their consistency and control ensured a comprehensive 73-37 victory, highlighting their dominance and teamwork throughout the match.
Congratulations to Liame De Lange who had an outstanding game for Kovsies and earns the FNB Player of the Match award and cheque powered by FNB eWallet for her contribution to their crushing victory over Tuks.#iLOVEit pic.twitter.com/TCrgsLbabd
— Varsity Netball (@VarsityNetball) September 1, 2025
Quarter scores: 15-8 | 32-21 | 55-29 | 73-37
Player of the match: Liame De Lange (UFS Kovsies)
UFS Kovsies: Liame de Lange, Reratilwe Letsoalo, Elene Vosloo, Xandri Fourie, Rolene Streutker, Charne van Vuuren, Chanique Eyberg, Mari du Raan, Thando Mokoena, Leane Otto, Megan Erasmus, Syamthandanda Sambo.
UP-Tuks: Georgia de Jongh, Zionné Grobler, Megan Holland, Elri Jacobs, Juané Kruger, Devoné Lansberg, Thando Ngcobo, Caroline Paul, Anja van den Heever, Venece van Vollenhoven, Marichelle Visagie, Jamie Williamson.
UJ 56 - 34 VARSITY COLLEGE
UJ delivered a strong performance to secure a solid victory over Varsity College.
The opening quarter set the tone for an intense match as both teams showed determination to gain the upper hand.
The Orange Army, however, settled quicker, using speed and sharp passes to break through Varsity College’s defence and claim a 14–8 lead at the first break.
The second quarter saw both sides tighten their defensive structures, making scoring opportunities more difficult to come by.
Varsity College improved their intensity and forced UJ into missed chances, but the Johannesburg side remained composed, stretching their advantage to 24–15 at halftime.
After the break, Varsity College introduced fresh legs to close the gap. Their efforts, however, were met with UJ’s relentless pace and clinical finishing.
By the end of the third quarter, UJ had pulled away to a commanding 44–24 lead.
The final 15 minutes was marked by a tight battle during the power play, with both teams trading quick two-point goals.
Varsity College fought hard to stay in contention, but UJ maintained their momentum and kept control until the final whistle.
UJ’s consistency and attacking precision proved decisive as they sealed a 56–34 win, while Varsity College’s spirited display ensured the contest remained competitive throughout.
Another one! Congratulations to Cornelia Mupenda who collects another FNB Player of the Match award and cheque powered by FNB eWallet for her key role in the Orange Army win over Varsity College. #iLOVEit pic.twitter.com/NAJlFQKZlS
— Varsity Netball (@VarsityNetball) September 1, 2025
Quarter scores: 14-8 | 24-16 | 44-24 | 56-34
Player of the match: Cornelia Mupenda (UJ)
UJ: Sesandile Ngubane, Kubura Abubakar, Makayla Edgecomb, Tarle Mathe, Minette Erasmus, Luyanda Msomi, Yanke Broodryk, Kamogelo Motsepe, Cornelia Mupenda, Sli Ngcobo, Tassnique Norman.
Varsity College: Adri Kannemeyer, Robyn Hathaway, Andrea Van der Merwe, Casey Weber, Sara Feintuch, Olukemi Amarachi Akuma Agbai, Elzaan Smith, Allison Nola Beck, Sikanyiso Mtshwepe, Stacey-Lee Feris, Caitlin Rose Cunningham, Kaitlin Barnard.
NWU 55 - 41 MATIES
NWU battled past Maties in a tightly contested clash to secure a vital win.
The first quarter set the tone for a physical encounter as both sides pushed to establish dominance.
The Eagles showed composure in the goal circle and edged ahead 13-9 by the end of the quarter.
Momentum shifted in the second quarter as the Eagles’ intensity dropped and their errors allowed Maties to claw their way back.
With the crowd’s energy dipping, NWU struggled to convert opportunities, but they still carried a 22-16 lead into halftime.
The third quarter brought renewed energy, with both teams pressing for control. NWU tightened their attacking play and made key defensive stops to maintain a healthy advantage.
By the end of the quarter, the scoreboard read 41-29 in favour of the Eagles.
In the final 15 minutes, the home team rose to the occasion, shaking off earlier nerves and finishing the match with determination.
Maties threatened a late comeback that kept the crowd on edge, but the Eagles’ discipline and resilience saw them over the line for the 55-41 victory.
Congratulations to our NWU Eagles on their well-deserved victory! 🦅💜 https://t.co/TNN2tfANmU
— NWU - North-West University (@theNWU) September 1, 2025
Quarter scores: 13-9 | 22-16 | 41-29 | 55-41
Player of the match: Vivian Venancio (NWU)
NWU: Sunel Smit, Jaime Matfield, Andrya Joubert, Tlotlang Mokomela, Jessica Matjiu, Johanné Meyer, Amori Matthee, Christi-Mari Coetzee, Vivian Venancio, Jeané Visser, Jade Ekwatu, Liane van Lochem.
Maties: Hannah Kriel, Michelle van der Merwe, Hannah Olivier, Lara Ehlers, Lize Rossouw, Syntiche Kabuya, Juane Maass, Thabisa Yekani, Bianca Odendaal, Zahrah Noah, Renezia Andrews, Lisa Ingwersen.