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Mackenzie Barry is staying on for another season but plenty of others are departing the Wellington Phoenix. PHOTO: DAVE LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY The Wellington Phoenix have continued the changes to their roster with a new group of visa players for the 2025-26 A-League but also keeping one of their originals. The Phoenix can confirm Portuguese goalkeeper Carolina Vilão, English striker Olivia Fergusson, Americans Maya McCutcheon and Alivia Kelly and Japanese winger Mebae Tanaka will not be returning to Wellington next season. LATEST HEADLINES: Routliffe out in Wimbledon quarters Scott Barrett out of French series Boyd to debut for Warriors v Tigers Routliffe, Dabrowski Wimbledon last 8 Fisher called up for Zimbabwe clashes Director of football Shaun Gill has thanked Vilão, Fergusson, McCutcheon, Kelly and Tanaka for their contributions to the club during the 2024-25 campaign. “All five had a positive impact on the team, on and off the pitch,” Gill said. “Fergie was our top goal scorer last season, while Maya, Alivia and Mebae all scored their maiden A-League goals for the club and Carolina kept four clean sheets, which is level for the most in the team’s history. “They were also popular members of the dressing room and helped contribute to a great team culture. “We wish them all the best with the next steps in their professional careers and will follow them with interest.” Vilão started all 23 of the Phoenix’s matches during the 2024-25 season and on top of keeping four clean sheets she saved penalties against Adelaide United and Melbourne City. “I’ll be forever thankful to the Phoenix as the club gave me the joy of playing football again,” Vilão said. “I want to say thank you to the staff and the players, but most importantly all of the Nix supporters for being there every game in Wellington and in Australia. It always felt like home! “Getting to know New Zealand was the best experience of my life and I came to really appreciate the beauty of this country.” McCutcheon was also an ever-present member of the Nix starting XI last season and was substituted just three times. She scored her maiden professional goal in November to secure Wellington a 1-0 win over Adelaide United in Sydney and also found the back of the net against Melbourne Victory at Porirua Park in February. “Playing in the A-League with Wellington Phoenix was a unique and valuable experience,” McCutcheon said. “I’m grateful for the passionate fans who made every game memorable and the opportunity to be part of the club’s journey. Thank you for the support throughout the season.” Fergusson was the team’s golden boot, scoring five goals in 22 appearances. She also provided assists for goals in the Phoenix’s wins over Adelaide and Brisbane in November and December. “I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone at the Phoenix and the fans,” Fergusson said. “I fell in love with the club and the city and hopefully in the future I can return to the Phoenix in some capacity. “I wish the players and the coaching staff all the best for this season.” Kelly made 19 appearances for the Nix after arriving in Wellington in December and scored her first professional goal against Western Sydney Wanderers in January. “I’m very grateful for my time in Welly and all the people I met,” she said. Tanaka also featured 19 times for the Phoenix last season and scored a goal of the season contender against Wanderers in March. Meanwhile Mackenzie Barry has re-signed with the Phoenix for the 2025-26 A-League, extending her stay at the club to a fifth season. Barry, 24, has been a mainstay at the back since the women’s first game in December 2021 and is now the team’s most capped player with 71 appearances for the Nix. The squad have already signed experienced Dutch midfielder Tessel Middag, Dominican Republic captain Lucía León and American defender Ellie Walker for the 2025-26 campaign and will announce a fourth visa signing in the near future.

Erin Routliffe (left) and Gaby Dabrowsi beaten in the quarterfinals at Wimbledon. PHOTO: WTA New Zealand tennis pro Erin Routliffe and Canadian Gaby Dabrowski have been beaten in the quarterfinals of the Ladies Doubles at Wimbledon. The second seeds who were beaten finalists last year lost to Russia Veronika Kudermetova and Belgian Elise Mertens 7-5 7-6(4). LATEST HEADLINES: Scott Barrett out of French series Boyd to debut for Warriors v Tigers Routliffe, Dabrowski Wimbledon last 8 Fisher called up for Zimbabwe clashes Tuatara, Whai complete NBL playoffs The match on Corut 1 lasted one hour 43 minutes, but Kudermetova and Mertens winning the vital points when needed including from 4-4 in the tiebreak to win. Routliffe and Dabrowski have had an interrupted season, with Dabrowski sidelined with a rib injury. Dabrowski and Routliffe won the 2023 US Open doubles title and in 2024 made the Australian Open semi-finals and the Wimbledon final. They finished 2024 winning the WTA Finals in Riyadh. They reached the Australian Open semi-finals again this year and combined to win the Stuttgart Open.

Kurt Eklund in a different jersey will turn out for the AUNZ team against the Lions PHOTO: RUGBY AU A stacked AUNZ Invitational XV squad will tackle the British and Irish Lions ion Adelaide Oval on Saturday night - the first time the trans-Tasman selection have assembled since 1989. The side also boasts a strong coaching contingent, with Queensland Reds coach Les Kiss joined by former All Blacks Head Coach Ian Foster, Western Force head coach Simon Cron, and Reds assistant coach Zane Hilton. LATEST HEADLINES: Allen out of Black Caps v Zimbabwe Phoenix Women make big changes Routliffe out in Wimbledon quarters Scott Barrett out of French series Boyd to debut for Warriors v Tigers There are eight players who have played for the All Blacks; David Havili, Flau Fakatava, Hoskins Sotutu, Ngani Laumape, Shaun Stevenson and Shannon Frizell while AJ. Lam, George Dyer, Joshua Fusitu'a and Kurt Eklund have yet to don the All Blacks jersey. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen and Aidan Ross have both played for the All Ablacks but now play for the Reds. Squad: Aidan Ross (Australia/New Zealand, Queensland Reds) AJ Lam (New Zealand, Blues) Angus Blyth* (Australia, Queensland Reds) Brandon Paenga-Amosa (Australia, Western Force) Daniel Botha* (Australia, NSW Waratahs) Darby Lancaster* (Australia, NSW Waratahs) David Havili (New Zealand, Crusaders) Folau Fakatava (New Zealand, Highlanders) George Dyer* (New Zealand, Chiefs) Harry McLaughlin-Phillips* (Australia, Queensland Reds) Hoskins Sotutu (New Zealand, Blues) Jeffery Toomaga-Allen (New Zealand/Samoa, Queensland Reds) Jock Campbell* (Australia, Queensland Reds) Joe Brial* (Australia, Queensland Reds) Joey Walton* (Australia, NSW Waratahs) Joshua Fusitu’a (New Zealand, Blues) Kalani Thomas* (Australia, Queensland Reds) Kurt Eklund* (New Zealand, Blues) Lachlan Anderson* (Australia, Queensland Reds) Lukhan Salakaia-Loto* (Australia, Queensland Reds) Mac Grealy* (Australia, Western Force) Marika Koroibete (Australia, Panasonic Wild Knights) Matt Philip* (Australia, NSW Waratahs) Ngani Laumape (New Zealand, Moana Pasifika) Pete Samu (Australia, NSW Waratahs) Richie Asiata* (Australia, Queensland Reds) Seru Uru* (Australia, Queensland Reds) Shannon Frizell (New Zealand, Toshiba Brave Lupus) Shaun Stevenson (New Zealand, Kubota Spears) Tane Edmed* (Australia, NSW Waratahs)

Scott Barrett won't be fronting for the All Blacks in the second and third tests against France. PHOTO: DAVE LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPH All Blacks captain Scott Barrett has been ruled out of the rest of test series against France with calf tear and no definitive timeline for his return. Barrett suffered a calf injury during the first test win in Dunedin and was replaced midway through the second half of the 31-27 victory. LATEST HEADLINES: Boyd to debut for Warriors v Tigers Routliffe, Dabrowski Wimbledon last 8 Fisher called up for Zimbabwe clashes Tuatara, Whai complete NBL playoffs Tactix defeat Magic in chase for first A scan on Monday revealed the tear. The All Blacks are yet to make an anouncement about any possible replacement but the Blues' Patrick Tuipulotu would be the likely choice. Barrett, Fabian Holland and Tupou Vaa'i were the second row options in the first test, with Vaa'i starting at No 6. Ardie Savea will take over the captaincy for this weekend's second test in Wellington.

A good season for the Unicorns but an injury will now keep him out of the T20's against Zimbabwe PHOTO: SAN FRANCISCO UNICORNS Black Caps opener Finn Allen has been ruled out of the upcoming T20I Tri-Series in Zimbabwe after sustaining a foot injury. Playing for the San Francisco Unicorns in the Major League Cricket tournament.Allen injured himself as his side bid to make the grand final. LATEST HEADLINES: Phoenix Women make big changes Routliffe out in Wimbledon quarters Scott Barrett out of French series Boyd to debut for Warriors v Tigers Routliffe, Dabrowski Wimbledon last 8 Earlier in the season Allen hit a record 19 sixes in his innings of 151 for the Unicorns. Allen’s recovery timeline will be determined once he has returned to New Zealand and received further specialist consultations. A replacement playerfor the 26-year-old Aucklander is yet to be named by coach Rob Walter. The Black Caps arrive in Harare on Thursday July 10 ahead of their first Tri-Series match against South Africa on Wednesday 16.

Tanah Boyd will make his debut for the NZ Warriors in the NRL against the Tigers PHOTO: NRL Halfback Tanah Boyd will make his club debut, Taine Tuaupiki starts at fullback and wing Dallin Watene-Zelezniak returns from injury for the NZ Warriors sold-out Round 19 NRL clash against the Wests Tigers at Go Media Stadium on Sunday. At the same time, Queensland second rower Kurt Capewell has been named on the extended bench and could be a late inclusion depending on how he comes through tomorrow night’s State of Origin series decider in Sydney. LATEST HEADLINES: Routliffe, Dabrowski Wimbledon last 8 Fisher called up for Zimbabwe clashes Tuatara, Whai complete NBL playoffs Tactix defeat Magic in chase for first Kobori, Garvey, Ieremia in top-three With halfback Luke Metcalf’s season ended by an ACL injury in the loss to the Broncos, One New Zealand Warriors head coach Andrew Webster has called up the seasoned Boyd who has been outstanding for the club’s table-topping New South Wales Cup side. The 24-year-old, who will become Warrior #293, arrived this season after 69 NRL games for Gold Coast. Noted for his general kicking game, he’s also a top-flight goal-kicker with an 80 per cent success rate at first-grade level. In 13 outings for the Warriors’ NSW Cup side this year – all wins – he has scored 137 points with an 80.49 per cent goal-kicking strike rate while he has 16 try assists, an average 300 kicking metres a game, nine tackle breaks and an average 68 running metres a game. With first-choice fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad sidelined with a knee injury, Tuaupiki returns for his 21st career appearance and his 10th this season; he started at fullback in the round seven win over the Broncos while he was used on the wing in his other eight outings. Watene-Zelezniak is back from an ankle injury suffered in the round 16 loss to Penrith, his sixth match back following a delayed start to the campaign from wrist surgery. Apart from the backline changes, Webster has named Jackson Ford to start in the front row with Marata Niukore – used as a starting prop in four of the last five games – listed in the second row with Leka Halasima. As it stands now, the interchange comprises utility Te Maire Martin and three of the club’s young brigade in Jacob Laban, Demitric Vaimauga and Tanner Stowers-Smith. The Warriors come into the match off their third and final bye after suffering back-to-back losses for the first time this season against the Panthers and the Broncos. They remain in fourth place on 26 points with a 10-5 record, four points ahead of fifth-placed Brisbane and five ahead of sixth-placed Penrith. Warriors : 1. Taine Tuaupiki, 2. Adam Pompey, 3. Kurt Capewell, 4. Rocco Berry, 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Tanah Boyd, 8. James Fisher-Harris (c), 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Jackson Ford, 11. Leka Halasima, 12. Marata Niukore 13. Erin Clark.

Winners are grinners, Erin Routliffe (left) and Gaby Dabrowski into the last eight at Wimbledon PHOTO: ERIN ROUTLIFFE INSTAGRAM New Zealand's Erin Routliffe and Canadian Gaby Dabrowski have won their way into the last eight of the Ladies Doubles at Wimbledon. The pair were 7-6(1) 7-6(2) winners over Irina Khromacheva from Russia and Hungary’s Fanny Stollar in the third round. . LATEST HEADLINES: Fisher called up for Zimbabwe clashes Tuatara, Whai complete NBL playoffs Tactix defeat Magic in chase for first Kobori, Garvey, Ieremia in top-three Van Gisbergen sweeps in Chicago The win means they have reached at least the quarterfinals in all six of the grand slams they have played together, an impressive record by anyone's standards. The match didn't start ideally as Dabrowski had her serve broken in the second game, but Stollar wasn’t able to consolidate that lead and was broken in the following game. Dabrowski fell behind 30-40 at 4-5 for a set point, but Routliffe hit an angled volley at the net for a winner. Stollar and Khromacheva had another set point soon after and again Routliffe raced across the net for another winning volley. For a third time the European pair had a set point and yet again Routliffe was waiting at the net to hit a winner and eventually Dabrowski got the hold. Although the set was tight, there was only one team in the tiebreak, with Routliffe and Dabrowski winning it 7-1. Routliffe and Khromacheva both starved off break points early in the second set and after that, the serve dominated. But once more the tournament’s second seeds took control in the tiebreak, so advanced to the quarterfinals, where they’ll face Veronika Kudermetova from Russia and Belgium’s Elise Mertens. Although it was a straight-sets win, it still took one hour and 48 minutes. Routliffe and Dabrowski will face eighth seeds Veronika Kudermentova (Russia) and Belgian Elise Mertens in their quarterfina matchup.

Matt Fisher bowling for Northern Districts has been included in the Black Caps test side to face Zimbabwe PHOTO: LINTOTT PHOTOGRPAHY Northern Districts pace bowler Matt Fisher has been called up to the Black Caps for the first time as part of the 15-player squad for the two Test tour of Zimbabwe later this month. Widely regarded as one of the fastest bowlers in the country, the former New Zealand Under-19 representative has taken 51 First Class wickets at an average of 24.11 across 14 matches. LATEST HEADLINES: Tuatara, Whai complete NBL playoffs Tactix defeat Magic in chase for first Kobori, Garvey, Ieremia in top-three Van Gisbergen sweeps in Chicago NZ finish fourth at FIBA  World Cup Fisher has been contracted to Northern Districts since 2018 when he began his recently completed Bachelor of Laws at Otago University. He played a key role early in the associations’ victorious 2024/25 Plunket Shield campaign, taking 14 wickets at 17.71 across just three matches, before being sidelined by injury. Black Caps head coach Rob Walter said Fisher’s pace was a valuable asset. “Matt’s someone we’re really excited about,” said Walter. “He’s one of the fastest bowlers in the country and we think he’s got an X-factor. “We’re blessed to have a large number of strong fast bowlers in this country and we’re looking forward to adding Matt into that mix now, giving him a little bit of touring experience and a taste of what it means to be part of the BLACKCAPS.” Red-ball captain Tom Latham will lead a largely settled squad on New Zealand’s first Test tour to Zimbabwe since 2016. Fisher’s opportunity comes during a transitional period for the New Zealand test bowling attack, following the departure of veteran Tim Southee, and the emergence of Wellington duo Nathan Smith (two Test caps) and Ben Sears (one Test cap), alongside uncapped Otago Volts quick Jacob Duffy. Sears was ruled out of the white and red-ball tours of Zimbabwe with a side injury which will require a further two to four weeks recovery, while Kyle Jamieson made himself unavailable as he awaits the birth of his first child. Kane Williamson also made himself unavailable as he manages his playing commitments, while Michael Bracewell was unavailable due to his commitments at The Hundred - which was previously agreed and factored into his NZC central contract. Walter said he understood and respected the decision of both players. “Kane and Michael were up front with New Zealand Cricket about their availability for this tour during the contracting process. “While all Test matches are hugely special and important, the fact these Tests aren’t part of the ICC World Test Championship did influence the discussions on this occasion. “We will obviously miss their talent and class, but it allows an opportunity to others and we’re lucky to be able to call on the likes of Ajaz and Henry who are both proven performers at Test level.” The remainder of the squad mirrors that which took part in the home Tests against England, with additional recalls of specialist spinner Ajaz Patel and batsman Henry Nicholls. Patel’s last outing with the Black Caps was a Player of the Match performance (5-103 and 6-57) in the historic three-nil sweep over India last November. Left-handed Nicholls returns to the Test squad for the first time since December 2023, bringing 56 Test caps of experience and nine Test hundreds to his name. Black Caps Test squad v Zimbabwe Tom Latham (C) Canterbury Tom Blundell Wellington Firebirds Devon Conway Wellington Firebirds Jacob Duffy* Otago Volts Matt Fisher* Northern Districts Matt Henry Canterbury Daryl Mitchell Canterbury Henry Nicholls Canterbury Will O’Rourke Canterbury Ajaz Patel Central Stags Glenn Phillips Otago Volts Rachin Ravindra Wellington Firebirds Mitch Santner Northern Districts Nathan Smith Wellington Firebirds Will Young Central Stags

Sean Bairstow, Mojave King and the Tauranga Whai have qualified for the NBL Playoffs for the first time. PHOTO: NBL The Auckland Tuatara and Tauranga Whai have clinched the last two berths in the National Basketball League (NBL) Playoffs. The Tuatara and Whai recorded wins in Week 16 to reach the six-team postseason, with the Whai relying on the Canterbury Rams beating the Franklin Bulls in the regular season finale to get in. LATEST HEADLINES: Tactix defeat Magic in chase for first Kobori, Garvey, Ieremia in top-three Van Gisbergen sweeps in Chicago NZ finish fourth at FIBA  World Cup Dixon grabs unlikely Mid-Ohio win The second-year Whai will be making their playoffs debut when they head to New Plymouth to face the Taranaki Airs on Wednesday (tip-off 7pm). The Tuatara, the beaten finalists the last three seasons, will make the longest road trip in the league, travelling to Invercargill to play the Southland Sharks on Thursday (tip-off 7pm). Awaiting the winners of those play-in games are the regular season champion Wellington Saints, who went 16-4, and the Canterbury Rams, just a game behind. The Saints, chasing their 13th NBL title, will host the lowest-seeded play-in winner at TSB Arena on Sunday (tip-off 3pm). The two-time defending champion Rams will welcome the highest-seeded play-in winner to Cowles Stadium on Saturday (tip-off 2pm). The championship game is set for Sunday, July 20 (tip-off 2pm) on the home floor of the highest-seeded semifinal winner. Going into the final week of the season, two playoffs spots remaining up for grabs, with the Tuatara, Whai, Bulls, Manawatū Jets and Nelson Giants in the mix. The Whai gave themselves a chance with a 103-93 upset of the Jets in Tauranga last Wednesday, but still needed help and the Sharks, Otago Nuggets and Rams provided it. Southland eliminated the Giants with a 91-87 win at the Trafalgar Centre on Thursday, the Nuggets upset the Jets 101-95 in Palmerston North on Saturday, and the Rams toppled the Bulls 107-91 at home on Sunday. The Tuatara clinched their spot with a 96-67 road rout of the Hawke’s Bay Hawks on Saturday, while the Airs locked up the three seed with a 93-83 home victory over the Nuggets on Friday. The Saints and Rams decided the regular season title last Tuesday in the Capital, with Wellington coming away with a 90-84 win in a potential final preview. It was the Saints’ 12th regular season crown, the first since 2021.

The Tactix beat the Magic to remain in contention for top spot in the ANZ Premiership PHOTO: MICHAEL BRADLEY PHOTOGRAPHY/NETBALL NZ The Tactix have kept their unbeaten run at home while also gaining the opportunity to host the Grand Final after outplaying the Magic 68-57 in Christchurch. The Tactix will meet the Northern Mystics in next week’s final round of the regular season with the winer earning the right to host the Grand Final. LATEST HEADLINES: Another title for Watt, Reynolds Kobori, Garvey, Ieremia top-3 finishes Van Gisbergen sweeps in Chicago NZ finish fourth at FIBA  World Cup Dixon grabs unlikely Mid-Ohio win After an even opening quarter, they won the second 22-12, but the Magic rallied strongly in the third spell to muster a brief challenge but the margin proved too daunting. The experienced heads in the Tactix side of Ellie Bird, Te Paea Selby-Rickit, Erikana Pedersen, Karin Burger and Jane Watson kept their side moving when needed. Magic captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio did her best with six from eight super shots but in reality the visitors were left with too much work following a poor second quarter. Reflecting the situation, both sides made nervy starts with a series of turnovers before settling into their work. The Magic’s defensive quartet did an excellent job of slowing the Tactix attacking momentum to gain the early jump. Employing a more patient approach, the home side quickly found themselves back on level terms and happy to take their time and as many passes as needed. At the other end, the crack defensive pairing of Burger and Watson helped the Tactix get on the front foot when they took a 15-12 lead into the first break. It was a clinical and momentum-swinging second stanza for the Tactix who were out of the blocks quickly to take a stranglehold on proceedings. Starting with a 9-3 run, the home side executed a seamless flow on attack, delivering the ball with ease into the hands of Bird, who nailed 31 from 33 for the half. The pressure dropped away from the Magic, who could do little right and the few wins they did get were often negated when followed by basic errors. Inability to treasure the ball let the side down on numerous occasions. Wing defence Georgie Edgecombe was a wholehearted performer for the visitors but with Burger and Watson at their menacing best, the Tactix powered away to a handsome 37-24 advantage at the main break. The experienced duo of Ekenasio and Claire O’Brien led the charge on attack, both directed play expertly while delivering quality feeds into the circle. With the return of their flow and impetus, the visitors gradually chipped into the 13-goal deficit. The improved timing and general play from the Magic prompted a tactical timeout out from the home side which had the desired effect as the Tactix restored their overall advantage on the scoreboard. However, the Magic went on the have the final say with the elegance of Ekenasio’s shooting style adding a bit of gloss when converting the last two scores with super shots to narrow the margin. It helped draw the Magic back in to the contest and left the Tactix looking to protect a handy 51-44 lead when the pair headed into the last break.

James Watt (left) and Finn Reynolds are having a great run on the ATP Challenger Tour PHOTO: ATP The New Zealand duo of James Watt and Finn Reynolds have won their second ATP Challenger title of the year, this time at Cary, North Carolina It was also their second doubles Challenger Tour title in a row, beating the second seeds Trey Hilderbrand (United States) and Austrlian Patrick Harper 6-3, 6-7(2), 10-5 in the final. LATEST HEADLINES: Kobori, Garvey, Ieremia top-3 finishes Van Gisbergen sweeps in Chicago NZ finish fourth at FIBA  World Cup Dixon grabs unlikely Mid-Ohio win Coll, Watts claim NZ squash titles It's is their fourth Challenger final together this year and should imrove their current ATP rankings of 144 for Reynolds and 170 for Watt a number of places They are already playing in their next event at the Newport Rhode Island Challenger which has bigger prizemoney. Watt won his first round in singles qualifying, while Reynolds played as an alternate but was beaten. Fellow kiwi KP Pannu won his first round qualifying. As a team Watt and Reynolds have drawn the top seeds in the first round of the doubles main draw.

Paul Coll (left) and Elijah Thomas before the men's final at the national squash championships PHOTO: SQUASH NZ New Zealand squash star Paul Coll has won his eighth title while a new women’s champion has been crowned at the 2025 New Zealand Squash Championships. World No. 3 Coll eased through his early round matches before meeting No. 2 seed Elijah Thomas in the men’s final at the North Shore Squash Club. LATEST HEADLINES: Mystics top of netbal Premiership Garvey in contention at Irish Open Price leads NZ to Nations Cup win Van Gisbergen on pole in NASCAR Junior Tall Blacks well-beaten by USA Thomas was impressive in the first game, hitting a series of winners to stay with Coll before the Greymouth squash star pulled away to win 11-9. From there Coll displayed his class, returning everything Thomas sent his way to take the next two games comfortably, 11-7, 11-6. “Eight national titles definitely makes me feel old!” said Coll post match. “I’m super proud to have that many titles and it’s been great to get back here and see the future of squash in New Zealand. I’m definitely a little sore now and I’m feeling every bit of 33 but I enjoyed every minute of it.” The women’s final saw an epic five game battle between 19-year-old Ella Lash who won the Midlands PSA Challenger last week and Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games athlete Kaitlyn Watts. Kaitlyn Watts celebrates winning the national squash title PHOTO: SQUASH NZ Lash took it to Watts from the outset, looking confident to claim the first game. From there it was an even match with both athletes showcasing a great brand of squash to enter the final game locked at two-all. Watts' experience paid off in the end, the 24-year-old holding her composure to claim the final game and her first national title in a 6-11, 11-6, 8-11, 11-8, 11-7 victory. “There were a lot of nerves out there but I’m really glad I dug in and gave it everything,” said Watts. “Ella’s been playing really well and it was a great battle.”