A HARD-FOUGHT battle at Ikon Park has resulted in narrow loss for Carlton’s VFLW team, succumbing to Melbourne Uni by a solitary goal on Saturday afternoon – 6.6.42 to 7.6.48.
The Blues made a blistering start to the game, with ruck Alison Downie kicking her first goal in the VFLW competition less than a minute into the match.
Kerryn Harrington and vice-captain Katelyn Cox quickly followed suit, kicking three majors between them to give Carlton a handy 20-point lead heading into the first break.
However, not to be deterred by Carlton’s fast start, Melbourne Uni hit back in the second quarter thanks to a standout performance by Katie Angelis. Angelis kicked three goals to help her team draw level with the Blues at the main break.
After a challenging second term – which saw Melbourne Uni hold Carlton scoreless – the Blues returned to the field ready to regain their form from the first quarter.
Young Isabella Gietzmann kicked her first goal for the navy blues in the third term, but a tight contest in the final quarter saw the Blues ultimately go down by a single kick.
Carlton peppered the goals in the fourth quarter but couldn’t make the most of their opportunities, finishing the game with six behinds.
VFLW senior coach Shannon McFerran said there was plenty to like about Saturday’s performance even though the result didn’t go their way.
“Although we didn’t quite get the win I’m really proud of the girls’ pressure and effort today – they fought it out until the very end,” McFerran said.
“We managed to hit the scoreboard regularly which is something we’ve been working on over the last few weeks with our young forwards, so that was pleasing.
“Capitalising on those opportunities is something we’ll continue to improve and develop.
“Next week we have the bye which gives us a good chance to regroup and prepare for the back half of the year.”
Blues players wore black armbands in memory of Mika Suzuki’s aunty who passed away earlier this morning.
Carlton: 5.2 5.2 6.4 6.6 (42)
Melbourne Uni: 2.0 5.2 7.2 7.6 (48)
Goals: K. Harrington 2, A. Downie, K. Cox, D. Hardeman, I. Gietzmann
Injuries: Nil
