The RASS Netball Team recently competed in the USSSA Ball Games II Nationals held at Tororo Girls School in Uganda.This was the team’s second time at the national competition. They had high hopes for making it past the group stages.
The tournament features 62 teams from across the country.It runs from July 10 to July 19, 2025. Even though RASS had strong ambitions, their journey took an unexpected turn.
Group Stage Performance: A Challenging Start for RASS Netball Team
The RASS team’s main goal was to move beyond the initial group stages. However, their very first match set a difficult tone. A costly mistake led to a narrow 20-22 loss against Kalisizo.
Despite this initial setback, RASS showed resilience in their subsequent games. They secured a dominant 35-08 victory against Lubiri SS .They also triumphed over Nyabugando with a score of 28-14.
The Decisive Matches and Group Standings
The team faced a tough opponent in St Mary’s Kitende, suffering a significant 39-09 defeat. This match was crucial in determining their group standing. RASS then bounced back with a 22-11 win against St. Benedict.
After all the group matches were played, RASS finished 3rd in Group A. They had won three games and lost two. St Mary’s Kitende secured the top spot in Group A with 10 points, while Kalisizo Seed came in second with 8 points. Unfortunately, this meant RASS did not qualify for the Round of 32 knockout fixtures.
The Importance of Continued Support: Beyond Qualification
Even though the RASS netball team didn’t advance to the main knockout rounds, their journey at the nationals isn’t entirely over. The tournament includes classification games, which are still being played. These games are important for the students participating.
However, it has been noted that some supporters and staff have stopped following the games since the team’s elimination from the main competition. This can be disheartening for the student athletes. Continued support is vital for these young players as they represent their school and continue to compete. Their dedication deserves ongoing encouragement from everyone.
