Result: ProcureX Mainland Pouākai (75) are defeated by Southern Hoiho (82)
In a battle of the top 2 teams, it was a true showing of the strength of the Tauihi league. It'd be the home side who would strike first. Morgan Yaeger would put together 8 quick points and look to continue the form she'd been showing over the last two games. Foul trouble from some of the Pouākai starters would help the Hoiho answer back with a 23-13 second quarter that would give them a 6 point cushion. The Pouākai would strike back in the 3rd as the two teams would fight over the lead. It'd continue until Lil Dart would put together some buckets to help hold the lead entering the last 2 minutes. Down 3 points, the Pouākai would have opportunities down the stretch to close the gap but nothing would convert. Two clutch free throw conversions from Julie Wojta would extend the lead to 5 with 9 seconds left and ultimately, the Hoiho would take the win and the sole lead of the competition.
Leading Players:
Mainland Pouākai: McKenna Dale (17p, 11r, 6a), Mikayla Vaughn (15p, 7r, 3a, 1s), Morgan Yaeger (12p, 7r, 6a)
Southern Hoiho: Lil Dart (21p, 5r, 7a, 3s, 1b), Julie Wojta (19p, 11r, 2a), Paige Bradley (17p, 6r, 6a, 2s, 1b)
MVP Votes:
McKenna Dale (Pouākai) - 8
Mikayla Vaughn (Pouākai) - 5
Julie Wojta (Hoiho) - 6
Lil Dart (Hoiho) - 7
Paige Bradley (Hoiho) - 2
Morgan Yaeger (Pouākai) - 2
Rapid League game:
Result: Mainland Pouākai (24) defeat Southern Hoiho (23)
A low scoring first half would set up both teams for a thrilling finish that would see the Pouākai take the match. Both teams would finish the first half 13 a piece, but the 3rd would have the Hoiho take a 5 point lead. The Pouākai would come within
Leading Players:
Mainland Pouākai: Ruby Cutbush (9p, 5r, 2a), Emilia Ainley (6p, 6r, 1a), Maddy Timms (4p, 2r, 1a, 1b)
Southern Hoiho: Casey Valentina-Paea (7p, 2r, 1a, 1s, 2b), Zoe Richards (6p, 4r, 1s), Alexa Duff (5p, 1r)
Rapid League MVP Votes:
Ruby Cutbush (Pouākai) - 8
Casey Valentina-Paea (Hoiho) - 6
Emilia Ainley (Pouākai) - 5
Zoe Richards (Hoiho) - 4
Maddy Timms (Pouākai) - 2
Alexa Duff (Hoiho) - 2
