The Blues proved too classy for the ninth-placed Hawks in the 55-30 win, with victory marking the side’s first foray into the top three this season.
Tongala was largely untroubled for the majority of the contest, with goal-shooter Millie Brock and defender Jemma Brennan drawing plaudits from coach Paige Wade after strong performances at either end of the court.
“We had a good spread of contributors and it was obviously good to get the four points,” Wade said.
“It was a day where the recognition could have gone to anyone. We tried a few different combinations and everyone did well.
“I think our defenders did a good job winning us plenty of the ball which we capitalised on. The first three quarters we probably had a better handle on them, and in the last they lifted a bit.
“Jemma Brennan will be up with us for the rest of the season; she’s winning plenty of ball for us which is good.”
Tongala now sits in third, tied on points with Nathalia, and while Wade admits it’s promising to be up in the thick of the MNL top echelon, there’s still work to be done.
“We’re happy to be third but we still have some big challenges ahead,” Wade said.
“We haven’t played Mulwala, Deni or Rumbalara just yet, so it’s hard to know where you’re at.
“We’re a fair way through the season so we’ll be looking forward to those games.”
Tongala faces fellow finals competitor Mulwala (fifth) in round 12 this Saturday, hoping to snag a ninth win of the season before the league’s general bye.
Around the league, Rumbalara had the better of Nathalia in a battle of the MNL heavyweights, prevailing 41-21.
Meanwhile, a gallant Numurkah took it up to Finley in defeat, 39-51, while Echuca United was outclassed by Deni Rams, 28-83.