TIFAMOANA Samoan goalkeeper Kara Adrole says it was a special occasion sharing the court with her younger sister and Crest Chicken Fiji Pearls shooter Elizabeth Adrole during their Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 Regional Qualifier Oceania clash in Tonga yesterday.
Samoa defeated Fiji 56-50 in a thrilling contest yesterday, with Kara celebrating the victory while also reflecting on the significance of playing against a team featuring her Fijian sibling.
“It’s so cool getting to rub shoulders with some of the best of the best, all of us sharing the same heritage and one love for the game,” Adrole said.
She said having her younger sister represent their Fijian side made the occasion even more meaningful.
Samoa led Fiji 32-22 at halftime, but the Pearls produced a strong second-half fightback to reduce the deficit to just two points before Samoa held their nerve in the closing stages.
Kara said Samoa would use the experience to improve ahead of their next match against the Cook Islands.
“We’re just going to build, learn how to put the foot down, try to be more consistent and think about our little lapses,” she said.
“But overall, very proud of everyone today.”
She also credited her faith for helping Samoa through the pressure of the contest.
“All the glory to God. He led us through our trials and tribulations,” she said.
For Fiji, goal shooter Maria Lutua-Rusivakula said the loss was difficult, but she was proud of the way the team fought until the final whistle.
“It’s not easy coming out with a loss today, but I’m so proud of the girls,” Lutua-Rusivakula said.
Fiji entered the tournament with a number of new players and debutants, adding to the challenge against their Pacific neighbours.
“We’ve come out here with a new bunch of players, some new debutants, and we’ve always said it’s going to be hard when we meet our Pacific sisters,” she said.
“We knew it was going to be hard and it’s hard to chase from behind. But I’m proud of the girls. They kept pushing until the last whistle.”
The Pearls now turn their attention to Tonga, with Lutua-Rusivakula expecting another demanding encounter.
“We’ve had a good run out on Monday. Tomorrow (today) is another tough game for us,” she said.
“I know the crowd’s going to be big tomorrow (today) against Tonga. But we’re going to go back tonight, go back to the drawing board and see what we can do better for tomorrow (today).”
