Captain Ryan leads Victoria Metro women to back-to-back U18 gold with commanding finish over Queensland South

Victoria Metro defended their Foot Locker U18 Women's National Championship on Sunday, pulling away in the second half to beat Queensland South 69-58 at South Pine Sports Complex and secure back-to-back titles. Captain Miah Ryan (167-PG-2003) was sensational, delivering a championship performance of 27 points, 13 rebounds, five steals, and three blocks across 34 minutes — setting the tempo early and providing the separation late. Ryan, who had led Victoria Metro to the 2025 title with a similarly dominant display in that final (22 points, nine assists, six steals), proved once again that she is the premier player at this age level in the country. Queensland South stayed within striking distance for much of the contest, trailing by just three points at halftime and refusing to let Victoria pull away through the third quarter. But Vic Metro found another gear down the stretch, with their defensive pressure and Ryan's all-around brilliance proving the difference in a decisive fourth-quarter run. Victoria Leuluai provided a crucial spark off the bench with 11 points on 4-of-6 shooting, five rebounds, and four assists. For Queensland South, Olivia Olechnowicz (176-G-2009) was outstanding in defeat, finishing with 26 points, seven rebounds, and three assists in a tireless 40-minute effort, but she could not overcome Victoria Metro's collective depth and defensive intensity on her own. Victoria Country claimed the bronze medal with a dominant display over SA Country, whose Daisy Hocking (175-G-2009) was named the Women's Defensive Player of the Tournament.