Lauricella has been travelling to Melbourne each week to train with the Victorian squad every Sunday since she was selected in the squad.

Whippets netball coach Beck Schmidt said Lauricella was one of the leaders of the side.

“She really helps out everyone else on the court,” she said.

“She is a determined player who is always chasing the ball.”

Schmidt said Lauricella had been playing with the Whippets since the side started in 2014.

“We started playing her out of the goal keeper position and for her height she needed to learn to read the ball well,” she said.

“We’ve started playing her through the centre court more because she’s got good vision and can be quick to drive the the ball forward.”

The Whippets were excited to send Lauricella off at the club’s last training session before the championships.

“Bianca is very excited to go to the national championships,” Schmidt said.

“We’re all behind her and wish her all the best in Sydney.

“We’ll be updating everyone on how she goes via our Facebook page.”