Top marks for optimism in the buildup to tonight's Hawke's Bay Premier Netball League division one final go to Hastings High School Old Girls Huias centre Abby Breakwell.
The Sacred Heart College sports co-ordinator is confident Huias can upset defending champions Otane Force in Taradale's Pettigrew-Green Arena despite the fact the Force have won all 14 of their games this season. The Huias have lost their two most recent games against the Force by almost 20 goals - 67-46 and 63-46.
"We're going to step up this week. We always do come final time ... we only only lost by a couple of goals in last year's final and this one will be a close one," Breakwell said.
Breakwell, 24, has the unenviable task of marking Force centre Annemarie Kupa-Petera. Huias coach Kaylene Higgs has told Breakwell if she can shut down Kupa-Petera or restrict her freedom Huias could beat the favourites.
"That's the goal. Otane go to Annemarie with every second pass ... if I can push her out of play it will put pressure on the rest of the Otane team," Breakwell said.