The Cook Islands remains in the running for a place in the Netball World Youth Cup 2025, despite losing to Tonga on the second day of the World Youth Cup Qualifier Oceania, held at the National Sports Arena in Nikao.
After a successful first match against Papua New Guinea, where they won 63-45, the Cook Islands faced Tonga in their quest for a top-three finish to qualify for the World Cup.
In a fast-paced encounter, Tonga secured a convincing victory over the Cook Islands, winning 66-44.
In another match, the Fiji Baby Pearls experienced a setback in their opening game against a formidable Tifa Moana Samoa under-21 team, losing 51-32.
The Fiji team, coached by Simone Nalatu, is set to compete again today, facing Tonga Tala at 5:15 pm.