A barnstorming third-quarter effort led the Hoppers to a 43-37 victory over the previously undefeated outfit in the round 13 contest.
Following an even first half of action, the away side was able to jump out of the gates in the third term and score 13-7 which was followed by another tied scoring quarter in the last.
In a match highlighted by its energy-sapping defensive pressure, it was the Hoppers’ defensive quartet of Michaela Laws, Olivia Miller, Leah Manson and Kathryn Ferguson — which got the job done for playing coach Jenni McCluskey and her outfit.
“Everyone was sensational. It was a real defensive game and our defenders were the ones who got us over the line,” McCluskey said.
“The defenders put immense pressure on their shooters and helped produce turnovers for our midcourt.
“But everyone stood up and did their role. Everyone was firing, it was fantastic.”
But the defenders weren't the only ones earning the praise from McCluskey.
“Both Heidi and Emily gave the goalers sensational driving force through the midcourt,” she said.
“And special thanks to the B-graders who stepped up and played extremely well.”
The result, Girgarre's first loss of the campaign, has caused some significant movement on the A-grade ladder.
The Kangaroos slide down the ladder to third — due to percentage — while Tallygaroopna regains top spot from Shepparton East in second.
Only two wins separate fifth position from the ladder leaders.
The victory on Saturday could not have come at a better time for the Hoppers.
Following a loss to fellow top six challenger Lancaster in round 11, McCluskey's outfit dropped outside finals contention into seventh spot.
But the classy six-goal triumph over the Kangaroos draws Murchison-Toolamba level on 28 points with sixth-placed Merrigum.
This weekend's round 14 action shapes up to a mouth-watering affair, as the Hoppers and Bulldogs are set to go head-to-head.
McCluskey hoped that her charges would use the memorable win over Girgarre to reignite their season.
“Hopefully that win proves to the group that our best is good enough,” she said.
“And that we have what it takes to compete and play finals. I know we can do it; we just haven't been able to string some performances like that together.
“Hopefully we can build on that moving forward.”
Violet Town enjoyed a stellar 55-41 win on the road against Stanhope.
Avenel kept within touch of the top six with a 60-40 win over Longwood.
And Shepparton East powered past Ardmona 79-21, Merrigum was too strong for Undera (68-24) and Nagambie breezed past Rushworth (69-26).
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