They often say that teamwork makes the dream work and that was the case for the Barellan and District Netball Association (BDNA) side which took out the Under 17s division two title at the Netball NSW Senior State Titles over the long weekend.
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Not only were the BDNA side come away with the title but they also went through the intense three days of netball with an undefeated record with 18 wins and one draw.
Coach Karen Conlan was elated with her side's performance after setting the goal of achieving a top-five finish heading into the weekend.
"I can't believe how well they played," she said.
"They really pulled it all together with a great team performance. There were no individuals it was all about representing our little community."
Conlan said the work rate from the girls was a testament to their commitment to each other.
"We had won the title with three games remaining, and the girls knew that," she said.
"It normally the last few games where the fatigue starts to set in but the girls were able to push through and work with each other to finish the competition undefeated."
There were no individuals it was all about representing our little community.
- BDNA under 17s coach Karen Conlan
The Barellan side had a strong core with Jess Conlan, Grace Korovata and Jenna Richards who all played crucial roles in the team picking up the title according to Conlan.
"Jess was captain of the side and did a great job motivating the side," she said.
"Having talented core players means the team is easier to build around. I gave Jenna (Richards) a leadership role in the forwards, and she really helped to bring out the best in Brooke Anderson.
"I think Brooke was one of our most improved players and having two great options up in shooting roles helped us."
Conlan also felt that their focus on mental preparation had the side in a strong position.
"The ability to bounce back when you have to play a lot of games is really crucial," she said.
"To be able to maintain focus even when getting fatigued can help keep in the game. The skills work is all done in the lead up to the competition, and there isn't much you can do in that area during the competitions."
Conlan thanked assistant Georgia Fuller for her work to help get the girls into the right headspace with meditation videos to help with the girls mental focus during the competition.
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