By Ashlee Tulloch
The Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic are through to the ANZ Championship semi finals for the fifth year in a row, defeating defending champions the Queensland Firebirds 53- 43 and earning themselves a home court playoff.
The Magic had no choice but to win nine do-or-die games to get in to the playoffs - and that is exactly what they did.
Goal shoot Irene Van Dyk says that it is an incredible turnaround for the team.
“From bottom to top four – that’s pretty amazing and the fact we can play a semi final here in front of our home crowd its pretty spectacular,” she says.
They say self-belief has played a huge part in achieving their goal, and they certainly showed that last night from the first whistle.
Goal keep Casey Williams says the team have set themselves a new standard.
“I think we've set a standard and we have got to go up,” she says.
The Magic may have had their strongest season to date, but to finish it off, the next hurdle will be beating the thunderbirds on Monday.
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