The team started strongly with wins over St Hilda’s (5–0) and Whakatāne (4–0), before narrow losses to Iona (2–1) and St Andrew’s College (1–0) in a nail-biting match.

Dio bounced back with shootout victories over Rangi Ruru (4–2) and Whanganui (3–0), before finishing the week on a high with a 4–2 victory over Westlake – the team’s first win over Westlake this year.

Throughout the tournament, the players showed incredible sportsmanship and supported one another through injuries and illness, while also forming great friendships with the St Andrew’s College team.

Year 13 captains Olivia Carpenter, Laura Bowden, Lucy Gibson and Isla Barker provided exceptional positivity and leadership throughout the season and will be greatly missed. Isla was also Dio’s top goal scorer for the week.

The team can be incredibly proud of the hockey they played and an outstanding ninth-place finish in New Zealand.

A special thank you to our coaches, management and parent supporters for their commitment and support throughout the season and for helping make tournament week such a success.

Congratulations to the entire team on an outstanding finish to the season.