On the attack: Experienced defender Erin Hopkins is in full flight as she starts an attacking thrust for Stanhope from the defensive end.
Stanhope put up a tough start to the 2024 A-grade Kyabram district league netball season behind it on Saturday by registering its first win of the year against Avenel.
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The Lions lost to top team Lancaster in round one, third ranked Girgarre a week later and then suffered a third round loss to Dookie United.
After four rounds of the season they are among three teams in the 14-strong competition that have one win from four rounds.
The good news is the teams occupying positions six to nine have only one win more.
On Saturday, on its home court, Stanhope was a three-goal winner (39-36) and has the opportunity to back up the victory against a second from bottom and winless Undera team this weekend.
The respite will be short-lived, however, as a week later the team faces second-ranked Violet Town.
Against Avenel the Lions used eight of the nine-member squad, only centre Jamieson Young wearing the same bib for the entire game.
Avenel led by three at quarter-time, only to have the match squared at half-time.
Jemma-Marie Wright then exploded with nine third-quarter goals (finishing with 20 for the game) and worked strongly with Jinaya Nurse.
With an 11-6 third term the Stanhope team took a seven-goal lead in the final term and held on to win despite being outscored.
Defenders Erin Hopkins and Taylor Sutton controlled that third term when Avenel shot just six goals.
Taneasha Nurse played three quarters and interchanged with Katelyn Power at wing attack.
– Girgarre has the chance to cement its top four ranking this weekend when it faces the team directly below it on the ladder, Nagambie.
Like its opponent this week, the Kangaroos have lost only the one game for the season — by one goal to Shepparton East.
Top of the ladder Lancaster faces sixth-ranked Murchison-Toolamba, which has won its last two games and lost its round two match to second ranked (and unbeaten) Violet Town by one goal.
Setting her sights: Jinaya Nurse during the second term of Stanhope three-goal win against Avenel on Saturday, giving the Lions their first taste of victory for the season.
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