MOLLY Mangan says playing netball for Wentworth’s undefeated A grade side is a great escape from the stresses of life.
The 18-year-old, who started playing netball when she was about 10, has played in both the Sunraysia and the Millewa leagues, where she formerly played for Bambill.
“I guess (I like) just being able to get away from reality for a bit,” she said.
“Just have an hour to not think about anything else except playing netball.”
Mangan, who plays in both goal attack and wing attack, said her team’s adaptability and teamwork had been instrumental in being unbeaten after 16 rounds.
“Versatility helps a lot because if someone is away we can just chuck someone else in there that can play really well in another position,” she said.
“What makes our team work really good is that we listen and take on board everyone’s opinions on what is working and what needs to be improved, whether it comes from Amanda (Edwards) our coach or another player.
“Teamwork helps a lot to win a game.”
Mangan was selected as the netballer of the round after her team’s dominant 84-25 win over Red Cliffs on Saturday, their largest margin and highest score of the season.
Mangan played as her team’s WA, working hard to feed the ball effectively to Wentworth’s shooters.
Alongside playing coach Edwards, she was selected as the team’s best, her fourth selection for the season and second in two weeks.
“It was a really good win for us girls,” Mangan said.
“(We had) our shooters being able to hold really well to be able to feed the ball in and (we) had our defenders up the other end being able to get those turn overs to let us finish it down the other end of the court.”
With only two games before finals, Mangan hoped the team could finish off the year strong by winning the premiership.
“Undefeated and on top of the ladder is really good,” she said.
“I’m hoping it keeps that way.”
As this week’s Netballer of the Round, Mangan receives $100 courtesy of Mildura Golf Resort and Sunraysia Daily
