Longwarry netballer Akayla Peterson was awarded player of the match as the Gippsland Stars recorded a three-goal win at Warragul.
It was the Stars' second win in the championship division of the Victorian Netball League (VNL).
Playing their home fixture at Warragul Leisure Centre, Peterson as well as Drouin's Stacie Gardiner were the locals in action for the Stars. On the opposing side - and playing against Gardiner in defence - was Drouin's April Bethune who took the court for Peninsula Waves.
Waves got the better start to the round five clash, leading 6-2 at the five minute mark. The Stars recovered but trailed 13-17 at quarter time.
The defenders from both sides got into the game in the second, with Peterson's leap and deflections in defence causing the Waves concern. Gardiner was pivotal in a five goal to one run late in the second quarter to level the scores at 25-all by half-time.
Five unanswered goals when play resumed would set up the Gippsland win in front of their home supporters. Although the Waves closed to within two in the last quarter, they couldn't bridge the gap.
The Stars won 48-45 and now sit sixth on the championship ladder.
The earlier 23 and under game saw the Gippsland Stars secure their first points of the season, but not quite the four they were after.
Former Warragul player Myah Healey levelled the game at 45-all with seconds left. However, despite gaining a further shot before the final whistle, a miss left the Stars still seeking their first win.
Those in action for the Stars included Drouin duo Charlize Traumanis and Lucy McKellar as well as Cora Lynn's Annabel Sheppard, whilst former Buln Buln defender Madison Mullen played for Waves.
With VNL games normally reserved for the State Netball Centre in Melbourne, this fixture was the only game scheduled in Gippsland for the 2025 season.
Joining the VNL in 2024, Gippsland Stars are fielding a championship team for the first time this season.