Kloppers stars as Menlopark secures third consecutive Puk Series title
Annika Kloppers made four saves to help Die Hoërskool Menlopark clinch a 2-0 penalty shootout win over Hoërskool Waterkloof in the final of the NWU Puk Series at Dr EG Jansen on Saturday.
“It was a good game of hockey with end-to-end action. It could have been anyone’s [win] at the end of the day,” Brad Brooks, the Menlopark coach, told SuperSport Schools Plus.
Over the past three years, Menlopark and Waterkloof have been the tournament’s dominant sides. Clashes between the two have been thrilling affairs, and they included a stalemate in the final in 2024.
They met again in last year’s title game, with Menlopark edging out Waterkloof 2-1 to lift the title. Like the previous two finals, Saturday’s title decider was a low-scoring clash. It finished 1-1 after regulation time.
Only five minutes into the contest, Isabella Oosthuizen finished a well-worked move that originated on the right flank to put Menlopark into the lead. It didn’t last long. Coach Omari Pienaar-Geyer‘s team drew level only three minutes later through Jenna Trewin.
“There were real positives in our performance despite the loss,” Pienaar-Geyer said. The girls outletted and pressed well. They created several opportunities, but just couldn’t find the net.
After the opening chukka finished at 1-1, the next three chukkas delivered fast-paced, attacking hockey between evenly matched sides. Waterkloof stitched together brilliant moves into Menlopark’s final third, where Menlo’s defenders showed their mettle.
When they breached the Menlopark backs’ line, Waterkloof was met by Kloppers. Her brilliant performance included clearing a ball that was behind her.
“The effort and resilience were there. We just couldn’t find the finishing touch,” Pienaar-Geyer said.
Menlopark matched Waterkloof’s energy with their own attacks into the Waterkloof final third. But Klofies defended with discipline.
When the contest headed into a penalty shootout, Kloppers faced the first eight-second penalty. Displaying her experience and ability, she denied Waterkloof the lead. Kelly Vermeulen complemented Kloppers’ effort by converting Menlopark’s first attempt.
Kloppers saved the second penalty to keep Menlopark in front, but Menlo’s second penalty attempt was stopped. Waterkloof stayed in the contest.
They needed to convert their third penalty, but Kloppers rejected their attempt again.
Chanette Janse van Vuuren then converted Menlopark’s third penalty to give them a two-goal cushion. Waterkloof had to find a way past Kloppers with their fourth penalty attempt to keep their title hopes alive. The ‘keeper proved to be unbeatable.
“I am happy with the win. The midfield worked really hard, and we were defensively sound,” Menlopark coach Brad Brook summed up his side’s victory.
“It was a good reward for the hard work that we are doing.”
Result
Menlopark (2) 1-1 (0) Waterkloof
