We have had a hugely successful Term 1 of GSV (Girls Sports Victoria) Weekly Sport with our Softball and Tennis Teams enjoying great competition. While the mornings are a little easier to manage than those of Terms 2 and 3, all students are highly commended on their consistent dedication to the 7.00am training sessions throughout the term. Their commitment to competing, learning and improving was evident in the excellent results achieved in both sports.

Softball

Under the watchful eye of new coach Tony Black (‘Coach Tony’ to the girls), our four Softball teams challenged the best in the GSV. The Senior team showed great determination throughout the term, finishing a gallant 2nd in their zone after winning all but one match. Their only defeat was to the eventual premiers of the competition. Likewise, the Intermediate and Junior A and B teams recorded multiple wins to finish 2nd and 3rd in their zones. The Intermediate team’s nail-biting, final innings win on countback was a highlight of the term. We look forward to Coach Tony and our softballers continuing their rise in Term 1 next year.

The St Catherine’s GSV Softball Team.

Tennis

Over 130 students have been involved in the St Catherine’s Tennis program throughout Term 1, ranging in ability from experts to those playing their first ever match of tennis. Rick Foley and his coaches from the Victorian Tennis Academy ensured that fun, learning, skill development and match tactics were the staples of all training sessions. The Intermediate A Team won their zone and renewed their ongoing rivalry with Star of the Sea College in the finals. A narrow defeat in the semi-final will keep the St Catherine’s team keen to get one back on Star next year. We congratulate our Senior B team who, after completing the season without dropping a set, won the GSV B Grade Premiership, defeating Presbyterian Ladies’ College six sets/49 games to 2 sets/31 games. Likewise, our Junior A and B teams had great seasons which culminated in two nail biting Grand Finals. The B team won 2 sets and 23 games to be narrowly defeated by PLC’s 2 sets and 27 games. The A team’s match was even closer with St Catherine’s winning 2 sets and 28 games to be victorious over MLC’s 2 sets and 26 games. This places the St Catherine’s team as the best Junior tennis team in the 24 GSV schools!

The St Catherine’s GSV Tennis Senior B Team won the B Grade Premiership.

We congratulate all students on the excellent way that they represented St Catherine’s throughout the term. Thanks also must go to the Physical Education/Sport staff and all coaches who were involved in these programs. Term 2 Sport training has kicked off this week, with our Hockey, Netball, Water Polo and AFL teams all holding their initial training sessions. We look forward to another successful term of GSV Weekly Sport.

Go St Cath’s!