There is a strong sense of self-belief in this Sovereigns’ playing group, which includes South Warrnambool defender Bridget Smith, as it prepares to meet neighbouring rival Geelong Cougars in a preliminary final on Wednesday night.

A focused and well-drilled ACU Sovereigns held off Southern Saints for a six-goal semi-final win at the State Netball Hockey Centre mid-week.

Sovereigns coach Kerry Lightfoot said her team had proven it could measure up against all top-four contenders.

“When the game was finished the girls were really excited but quickly refocused — they cheered and then a few minutes later were saying, right, what do we need to be ready for Geelong,” Lightfoot said.

“We really believe we are a chance and they (finals rivals) very much think we’re a threat.

“They know who we are and have been eyeing us closely all season.”

Sovereigns’ sharpshooting goalers were the difference.

While Sovereigns do not sport a trademark towering shooter, they boast a double-barrelled goaling attack with Abbey Ryan and Sasha McDonald.

Fifteen-year-old McDonald, from Edenhope, seized her chance to step up, shooting 26 goals from 28 attempts, under immense physical pressure.

Wing defence Smith applied strong pressure with timely turnovers while goal keeper Emily Atkinson made big rebounds and ruthless intercepts.

Sovereigns co-captain Zoe Davies kept close check on the Saints’ influential goal attack.

- THE COURIER, BALLARAT