FIJI Baby Pearls head coach Simone Nalatu says the team showed strong growth during the Ruby North Competition in Townsville, Australia, over the weekend.
The Baby Pearls won two of their four pool matches, defeating Far North Flames 48-34 and FNAE Roos 37-31.
They narrowly lost to Mareton Bay City Pulse 43-41 and North Queensland United Development 49-45.
Nalatu said she was proud of the team’s efforts and what they learnt during the tournament.
“Our biggest learning was how to stay in the contest during tight games and not let the score or pressure get to us,” she said.
“I was very impressed with our growth in this area.”
She said the tour was also about testing the team and unit targets set before the competition.
“I thought we did well against many of them at times, but the challenge for us now is to do it consistently in every quarter,” Nalatu said.
She added that both the coaching staff and players now have a clearer idea of what they are aiming for as preparations continue towards the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar.
Six players have remained in Australia for further training, joining Nalatu at Sunshine Coast Thunder.
The rest of the squad returned home last night and will take a two-week break before regrouping for a selection camp and more games in June and July.
Despite two close losses, the Baby Pearls showed they have the potential to grow stronger with more exposure to high-level competition.
The Ruby North tournament has been an important step in their journey to the world stage.
