Morna stands tall in two-point loss

AGED only 17, Morna Naquto dominates the court in South Mildura’s A grade team and 17 and under team.

As round three’s netballer of the round, Morna was instrumental in keeping South Mildura in the game last weekend, which they lost by just two points.

Morna played against Red Cliffs’ much taller goal shooters and her elevation was exceptional in the circle, making Red Cliffs work hard for their first win since 2014.

“I think I performed pretty good,” she said.

“I was really sick but had to push through for the team and I. (In defence) we made sure to communicate to each other on and off the court and keep encouraging one another.”

Moana plays with very experienced players in A grade and younger players in 17 and under, while also umpiring for the club.

“I appreciate the opportunity being given to me to play both 17s and A grade as well as umpiring,” she said.

“Even though it it may be challenging at times, the knowledge I gain from (playing on both teams and umpiring) helps me improve a lot.

“I feel privileged to be playing with amazing experienced players, they don’t treat me any different especially with my age and also learning more and receiving more feedback form not only the coaches but players as well.”

Morna has been playing netball since she was nine in South Mildura 11 and under team.

She briefly moved to Merbein and played in the 13 and under team before returning to South Mildura for her more senior games.

The now defence player has also been a member of the SFNL representatives team for a number of years, moving through the different age groups.

Morna said she was looking forward to forward to attending the Netball Victoria Association Championships to play teams from Northern Zones and said the game would gives her a good indication of where her ability was at and what she needed to improve on.

Morna said her dream was to hopefully represent Australia one day and she would work on gaining more experience and skills in order to achieve her goals.

“Although I am competitive on the court, I go out on the court with an attitude each week to learn a new skill, to play the best that I can and to enjoy it,” she said.

“I have made many new friends through out my journey and this has contributed to the player that I am.”As the Mildura Golf Resort Netballer of the Round, Morna receives $100 from Sunraysia Daily and Mildura Gold Resort.