KINGSTON - The control and accuracy of shooters Donna Loffhagen and Irene van Dyk helped to steer the Silver Ferns to their victory over Jamaica yesterday.
The pair stood their ground against some vigorous defending from Nadine Ffrench and Kasey Evering. They topped it off with a stream of accurate shots to form a potent combination for the Silver Ferns.
Van Dyk, who was unnerved by some harsh umpiring calls in the 53-44 loss in the second test, was successful with 32 goals from 36 attempts. Loffhagen nailed 12 from 13.
"It's a wee bit of a relief actually," Loffhagen said. "They stuck with us right to the end.
"We knew it was going to be hard - we had everything against us - but the girls hung in there and it feels fantastic.
"It's so good finishing on a winning note ... I'm looking forward to sitting on that plane now."
Loffhagen said the key to the victory was control and composure.
Although the team remained confident throughout, she said she was pleased it finished when it did, just as Jamaica mounted another surge.
"There were a few umpiring calls coming out again, but the girls stayed on top of their game, held their heads high and were really composed."
The team bounced back from letting the umpire and their own poor play get the better of them in the second test with a more resolute performance yesterday.
A little bit extra was needed after a loss and Loffhagen said the team delivered.
"The loss was a huge shock and a disappointment to us, but we regrouped and did well today."
Van Dyk described the series as more demanding than any she had played against Australia.
"This is so much tougher because they're much more physical. The Australians get away with it with their skill."
- NZPA
Netball: Classy shooting cements win
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