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Otago Daily Times
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
One dream attained by University, another beckons
THEY dared to dream — and dream they did. University proved what can happen when you have a little bit of belief in yourself after making the quarterfinals of the Kate Sheppard Cup for the first time. After a memorable 1-0 victory over the Dunedin City Royals last month, University make the trip to Christchurch to meet Cashmere Technical at English Park on Sunday afternoon. "It's an absolute dream, to be honest," coach Hamish Philip said about making the quarterfinals. "All the hard work that we've been putting in this season and all the foundation work we put in prior coming to fruition, it's immense." Philip was proud to see the way his side had come together. "For us, it's actually the belief in what we're trying to do. "I know that's such a cheesy thing to say, but it's that trust the system of what each player brings ... it's shown on the field, to be honest." Cashmere Technical, who won the South Island league last season, are always tough — but University beat them 2-1 in the league in March. "We've beaten them earlier in the season so I said to them, 'why not again?'." Making the playoffs has not come without its challenges. Only half of the team remained in Dunedin earlier this week due to students heading home for the university break and several American players returning home after the semester. The club had been running a Givealittle page to raise funds to help them get to Christchurch. Some players will be getting some "big opportunities" this weekend, but Philip said they would never back down from the challenge. "We're thankful some of our players are from Christchurch, so we've got those. "Some players are actually flying back for the game because they understand the importance of it, so they've made themselves available and that's thanks to the community helping out. "As a core group, I believe the team is still there. "I will make zero excuses. We are prepared for it. We are a university club and it's a matter of how we deal with it." In the other quarterfinals, Waterside Karori play Phoenix Reserves, Auckland United face West Coast Rangers and Franklin United are home to Eastern Suburbs. In round four of the Chatham Cup tomorrow, Wanaka are home to Christchurch United, and the Royals host Nelson Suburbs.
Otago Daily Times
15-06-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
University claims historic win
Otago University are finally the ones with the royal smiles on their faces. University qualified for the Kate Sheppard Cup quarterfinals for the first time with a memorable 1-0 win over the Dunedin City Royals at the Logan Park turf yesterday. The Royals, or Dunedin Technical, had won the equivalent third-round fixture for four straight years. In fact, it had been close to a decade since the Royals or Technical had suffered a loss to a fellow southern women's team in a league or cup game. "It's the most incredibly proud moment as a coach and a member of this club," University coach Hamish Philip said. "To see the work paying off, and the perseverance of my team, is just mind-blowing." Self-belief played a major part in their ability to hold off the powerful Royals, he said. "Throughout the week, we just talked about believing in ourselves, and being able to win the 50-50s. "It was just a case of, hey, we're here for a reason." Philip highlighted an immense performance yesterday from central midfielder and vice-captain Jemma McCormick. She was an "absolute stand-out" in the centre of the park. Striker Sofia Zane also put in a fine shift in her first start for the club's top team. American forward Grace Raymond scored the only goal of the game in the 23rd minute. It came from University's only corner in the first half. "We'd been practising them endlessly," Philip said. "We got people in the top of the box, and Grace found herself in the right spot, chested it, and lobbed it past the keeper." It was impeccable timing from Raymond as it was her first goal for the club in her last appearance before heading home. University will now play Cashmere Technical in the Kate Sheppard Cup quarterfinals. That clash will likely be in Christchurch, and during university holidays, making it a doubly tricky prospect for the Otago club. "We dare to dream," Philip said. "Anything is possible. No matter what happens, we've made the top eight." Cashmere star Kate Loye scored a hat-trick in their 4-0 win over Nelson on Saturday. Emily Lyon scored three in West Coast Rangers' 10-2 win over Lakes, Rene Wasi scored three in Auckland United's 8-0 thumping of Tauranga Moana, Eastern Suburbs beat Western Springs 2-0, Franklin United beat Ellerslie 1-0, Waterside Karori beat Miramar Rangers 3-1, and Phoenix Reserves beat Wellington United 1-0. — University stayed top of the ODT Women's Premiership with a 4-0 win over Northern on Saturday. Caitlin Scherp gave the students the lead in the 27th minute. Naomi Jutel and Brooke Verevis scored quick-fire goals near the start of the second half, and Kate Johnstone wrapped up victory with a strike five minutes before the final whistle. University have a four-point advantage over Green Island with a game in hand. Green Island were held to a 0-0 draw by Roslyn-Wakari on Saturday. The Dunedin City Royals, second with GI on 15 points with a game in hand, beat Queens Park 5-1. Katerina Kiousis scored the only goal for the Royals in a tight first half. Ingrid Swanson and Georgia Kennedy extended the Royals' lead before Rocio Cea pulled one back for the Southlanders. Kennedy added a second goal and Charlotte Roche iced the win in the 86th minute.
