In the Kyabram District League netball qualifying final, held at Nagambie Recreation Reserve, the Wombats pushed the undefeated leaders all the way in a back and forth contest, eventually falling just four goals short, 43-47.
Lancaster co-coach Rhianna Hilton, who leads the team alongside Jemma Hall, was upbeat about the performance.
“It was actually an awesome game,” she said.
“Full credit to Shepparton East as well but we've always had that belief, and it’s just really solidified that belief.
“It was nice to execute things we’ve been working on in the past six weeks and building towards finals, so it was a really positive booster for the girls.”
Hilton identified Molly Carver as one of the standouts in a strong team effort, praising her efforts around the goal, both scoring herself and setting up her goaling partner.
Previous meetings between the two sides went Shepparton East’s way by 15 and 18 goals, the semi-final a marked improvement from the Wombats.
By way of its top-two finish, Lancaster’s season isn’t over just yet, and the Wombats can take a second shot at the Eagles if they can get past Nagambie in the preliminary final.
“As soon as that game finished on the weekend it was ‘well done, now put that behind us’ and our focus is just purely on this Saturday only with Nagambie,” Hilton said.
“It will be a hard-fought game, but if we come out and play like we need to play, there's strong belief there.
“All focus has just shifted to Saturday.”
In the Wombats’ only previous encounter with the Lakers this year, Lancaster picked up the win by only three goals, and will need to be on its game to cap off an impressive season with a grand final.
The side has made big strides this season after revamping its squad in the offseason, improving from 5-11 in 2025 to 14-2 this year.
“We've just really gelled as a team,” Hilton said.
“Everyone is supportive, connected and everyone just wants the best for each other instead of playing individually, which is really important, especially in finals.”
The preliminary final between Lancaster and Nagambie will be played at Undera Recreation Reserve from 2.15pm on Saturday.
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