Team UWA’s thrilling showcase of grit produces two silver medals at the 2024 UniSport Nationals in Canberra, ACT.

Led by Team Maali captains Tamsyn Bruce and Shev Dias, a 60-strong contingent of UWA students descended on Canberra, ACT (Ngunnawal Country) to compete in the 2024 UniSport Nationals.

The UWA Maali continue the tradition of representing UWA at UniSport Nationals, with 60 athletes travelling to compete in five different sports at the 2024 event, including several making their Nationals debut.

The Maali were thrown straight into the deep end of the week-long competition, competing against top tier universities at the start of the Nationals campaign and facing a number of defeats. However, UWA Maali claimed the most important victory in sport and that as the connections and bond created amongst the UWA student athletes. The comradery and integrity on display across the five different teams emerged as a highlight of the competition.

Congratulations to the UWA Maali tennis team, led by Luca Katsamakis, who produced a solid performance throughout the week. The team were able to secure dominating wins over several opponents, culminating in a grand final match against the University of Sydney. Unfortunately, UWA Maali suffered a narrow loss, losing to their rivals in a 3-2 rubber despite a valiant effort from the entire tennis squad.

The UWA Maali netball team encountered a gruelling and intense grand final against Deakin University in the Div 2 gold medal play-off. In a game that featured numerous momentum swings, neither team could be separated before the final whistle, resulting in an extra-time showdown. The epic battle concluded with Deakin University overcoming a strong UWA Maali team (55 – 50). 

Congratulations to all the UWA Maali representatives on a successful campaign.

Team UWA Maali placings at the 2024 UniSport Nationals:

Tennis (Team 1): 2nd place (Div 1)

Tennis (Team 2):  5th place (Div 1)

Ultimate: 10th place (Div 1)

Volleyball: 10th place (Div 2)

Netball: 2nd Place (Div 2)