Win or lose - it’s been a cracking season of hockey for the Whakatāne intercity women’s hockey team.

They have been competing in the intercity competition, which features the top eight teams from Waikato and the Bay of Plenty, and have scored their way to a second consecutive final.

Whakatāne topped pool play and then ran out convincing 5-0 winners over Fraser Tech in their quarterfinal thanks to a brace of goals each from Dani Maunder and Kamea Aldridge, while Jodi Wikeepa also scored.

Last weekend in their semifinal at Stadium Horizon, they managed a 3-0 win over Hepi Sports thanks to Maunder, Aldridge and Lucy Carter.

It means Mount Maunganui are standing in their way and Whakatāne hammered them, 7-2, last time they played, so the confidence will be there that they can secure a victory.

Whakatāne player-coach Lizzy Horlock said they were proud of their achievements to date.

“The team respect that our position in the final was well earned and reflects the season's performance to date.

“The last few weeks have been a juggle for numbers while our younger players went off to represent BOP at national tournaments, however, that meant that playing smarter was essential given the lack of subs at times.

“On their return, our young players have come in stronger and really stepped up, while our more experienced players have continued to showcase their skills and game.”

Horlock said the team continued to evolve and that was showing with their performances on the turf.

“It's evident that as individuals and as a team, our game has improved and evolved. We have had some beautiful individual moments alongside a solid collective performance. The progress reflects the effort from training, and this can't be understated as despite juggling busy lives, the team have continued to show up every week to train and then want to get better every game.”

She said it was great facing a fellow Bay of Plenty side in the final.

“It's glorious having only Bay teams make the finals, and despite having to travel to Hamilton for the finals, we expect a hard-fought game. The Mount have the strength of youth and have the ability to score goals, so we are expecting a great game of hockey.”

She said the squad’s youth and experience has gelled well.

“The mix of players, strengths and ages makes for a great team. The experienced players like Dani Maunder, Erin McDonald in goal and our midfielders have all stepped up and developed over the season. We have also tried to support the growth of our younger players while also encouraging their individual flare to be showcased across the positions.”

She said last year had already been put behind them and they were focusing on the present.

“We go into this final with nothing to lose as our team has already achieved such progress compared to last season. However, we respect ourselves enough to want to end strong and with a performance that truly reflects our ability as a team.”

Horlock and the team are disappointed they must travel to Hamilton for the final.

“It is always disappointing not bringing good hockey to our community and despite earning what usually would be a home final. This is also another example which highlights the challenges we face to access and share quality hockey with our own community, as we are often having to travel away to play.”

She said their performance shows women’s hockey in the region is in good shape.

“This season's performance is evidence of the quality of people and players that come from our town. It challenges the status quo that bigger regions are by default better, perhaps we should get more of a say to determine what/how we can access the game, give more regard for the barriers faced by smaller regions.”

The former Black Stick is excited by what’s ahead for hockey in the Eastern Bay.

“I'm excited by the future of women's hockey and humbled by the quality of people investing their time and efforts into the game in Whakatāne. This season has really been driven by a small group of very busy people who continue to find ways to support our team and ensure we have the opportunity to represent Whakatāne in hockey.”

Saturday’s final starts at 1.30pm at the Gallagher Hockey Centre in Te Rapa.