Border sisters Lisa and Sophie Cary wasted no time finding their feet at Murray United.
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The Albury United junior exports won the best and fairest awards in their respective age groups in debut seasons at NPL level.
Lisa (under-15) and Sophie (under-13) are among the 11 girls currently playing at Murray in the boy's competition and have proven they are well suited to the environment.
"I was surprised. I worked hard all season and put in at training, but I didn't expect to get the award. Especially being the only girl in the team and everyone else also gave 100 per cent all year," Lisa said.
"The quality of the coaching staff, players and competition was very high and I really enjoyed the year.
"In the NPL, everything you do has to be faster and at a higher level.
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"Everyone at the club wants to improve and this atmosphere is great for pushing yourself to be better. All the coaches have great knowledge of the game and are happy to help you."
Sophie was just as shocked to take out the top award in her team, but has enjoyed her first year at the club.
"The year playing with the boys in the NPL has been challenging, pushing me to work my hardest," Sophie said.
"The games are very fast and the club atmosphere is very positive and helpful."
Murray's technical director Adam Carty is pleased to see how quickly the girls have adapted to NPL.
"It's a much faster game and they have to make decision much quicker than they ever had to at community level," he said.
"I think it's testimony to the girls' strength of character that we have noticed such dramatic growth in such a short period of time."