Sovau back in the game

IT just took a phone call and a trip back home to reignite Iliseva Sovau’s love for the game of netball.

Swamped by study and rugby commitments in Melbourne, the 21-year-old former South Mildura player, whose skill saw her make the Victorian under 17 squad and play in the Victorian Netball League with City West Falcons and Casey Demons, found herself drifting away from the sport.

“I hadn’t been playing netball for about two or three years,” the round nine Mildura Golf Resort SFNL Netballer of the Week said this week before a shift at St Vincent’s hospital in the state’s capital.

“I was playing rugby instead and studying as well.

“I lost my passion for the game as I was trying to be superwoman – studying and playing netball, rugby and league.

“Then I got a message from my cousin Morna (Naquo) and she said ‘you used to play netball and you’re pretty good at it, why don’t you come and play up here?’,” Sovau said of her introduction to the Red Cliffs’ team for which her cousins Morna and Varanisese play.

“So, I thought why don’t I go back to where it all started and play with my cousins and said, ‘yeah, I’ll give it a try’,” she said.

“I saw them (Red Cliffs) play a game on YouTube before I came up and thought, wow they could be a really good team.

“My first game was against Irymple (round eight) and it was so much fun.

“We have talent all over the court stretching from the shooters all the way back and it’s a great environment to be playing in.”

Red Cliffs finished last in 2024, but under coach Romany Bowen is in the top five with a 3-3-2 record this season.

Now, the flame for the game has been rekindled, the Tigers’ hold on the talented defender may be short.

“I’ve finished my studies and am now just finishing off my placements,” Sovau said.

“I’ll come up as often as I can and as my placement ends soon and I’ll have more opportunities to do that. But I don’t think I’ll be relocating back there (Mildura).

“I have family there, but I think I’ll find a hospital here and resume playing in the VNL.

“I’m looking forward to getting back into the game now.”

Sovau is the Mildura Golf Resort SFNL Netballer of the Week for round nine. She receives a $150 voucher for the Mildura Golf Resort.