Five quality performances at the Baywide Championships secured the Tāneatua women’s squash team a spot at the national championships at Tauranga’s Devoy Squash Club in September.

Competing in the C-grade, the club finished as the victors of that division and earned their spot at the nationals for the second time in three years.

Each grade has national championships at a different place each year.

The seven-person Tāneatua team featured Joslyne Umpherville, Marama Hancy, Sarah Kingi, Felicia Hata, Kelly Takamore, Cedella Ihaia-Manuel, Te Orihau Teepa and Hayden Punton as coach.

Though some teams can be composite combinations, all seven ladies in the team had registered with Tāneatua.

Team captain Hancy said it was awesome to make nationals again.

“For a small club like ours it is pretty special. We come up against clubs with way more numbers, but we just really enjoy being together as a team and cheering each other on.

“Everyone played fantastic squash, and all contributed at different times across qualifying.”

They went to D-grade nationals a couple of years ago and Hancy said it was great to have five members from that team in this team.

“Two of our players during the tournament event moved up into B-grade but because they started this tournament as C-grade players they still qualify to play for us at nationals.”

Tāneatua went through the pool rounds undefeated against Putaruru 4/1, Devoy 3/2, and Katikati 4/1, before defeating Geyser City 3/2 in a tight semi-final and then Devoy again 3/2 in the finals.

“We’re stoked to beat Devoy twice. They’re a far bigger club than us and have a lot more resources, so to get one over them is really nice.”

Hancy said they were thankful to the other Eastern Bay clubs such as Ōpōtiki, Marist and Whakatāne who often played their members and allowed them to train and use their facilities.

“All those clubs really looked after us and we’re super thankful. We all try to support each other.”

Hancy said nationals would be a challenge but one they’re excited about.

“We have to get a bit more serious about our training and really be committed and stick to a plan until after nationals but we’re all jumping for the opportunity to play other club teams from across New Zealand.

Five of our players were in the team that won the 2024 D Grade Ladies National Superchamps.

“We’re proud to come through the grades together and qualify again as C graders. We’re extremely excited to have Sarah and Kelly join and strengthen the team,” Hancy said.

“We’re now focused on our training leading up to nationals and are all looking forward to the challenge.”

She said it was extra special being a small club and qualifying for nationals.

“Tāneatua Squash Club is a small club in comparison to some of the other Bay clubs and we’re honoured to represent it, and represent the Bay of Plenty at nationals.”

A bonus this year is costs wll be lower as they have to travel to Tauranga rather than somewhere in the South Island.