The Calder Cannons lost a thriller in the semi-finals of the Youth Girls Academy Challenge on Saturday.
Facing Dandenong Stingrays, the Cannons started the better of the two sides to lead by 11 points midway through the game.
The Stingrays straight kicking came to the fore, proving to be the difference in the Stingrays 7.0 (42)-6.3 (39) win.
Deanna Berry kicked two goals for the Cannons, while Nell Morris-Dalton, Eliza Vale, Taylah Manson and Eshe Lane kicked one goal each.
Georgia Patrikios was named best for the Cannons, while Karly McNiece was prominent.
The Cannons will face the North Ballarat Rebels in the second week of finals. They are playing for third and the fourth sport overall.
