The match at Mathoura Recreation Reserve saw both teams battle the heat, with Picola eventually escaping as 31-30 victors.
Mathoura managed to sneak ahead 6-5 at the end of the first term and the Cutters extended their lead by another score at the main break, leading 11-9.
The Blues pegged one goal back in the third, making the score 21-20 in favour of Mathoura with a quarter to play, before scoring nine goals to seven in the fourth and securing victory by the narrowest of margins.
“It was a great game,” said Picola United coach Annie Jorgensen, who scored her first victory as the side’s new coach.
“There were some really great passages of play from both teams.
“It was an exciting game to be a part of, but we got away with the win, so that was a nice start.
“We haven’t quite settled yet, but a lot of nerves are gone now that the first round is done.
“Looking forward to an exciting year, I’ve got a young group, so I’m hoping that some of the youngsters will really blossom over the season.”
Jorgensen identified Jedah Huf, who played in goal defence, goal attack and goalkeeper at various stages of the clash, as a standout player for the Blues.
It was also the first game in charge for Mathoura coach Tegan Wanganeen who saw plenty of positives from her team.
“I pretty much call that a gel game, so it was just our girls working each other out,” she said.
“The heat really got us today, but in the future, I reckon I’ve got the team that’s going to challenge for the Picola league.
“I’ve got the best group of girls; they help me as much as I help them.”
Wanganeen praised the performance of her defence and substitutes.
“My defence Becca (Rebecca McCluskey) and Khayla (Chester), always kill it no matter what, last year and this year,” she said.
“The rolling subs that we had today, everyone did their part coming on when they needed to which was good.”
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