Latest news with #CaraKoenen
News.com.au
3 days ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Diamonds trio leads Lightning's blitz of the Firebirds
Diamonds trio Cara Koenen, Liz Watson and Courtney Bruce led the charge as Sunshine Coast Lightning blitzed Firebirds 72-62 to claim the Queensland Cup and Battle of the Bruce. Bruce, playing her 150th Super Netball game, was dynamic in the defensive circle and really proved a menace to Emily Moore and Mary Cholhok. The keeper had 12 deflections and seven gains. Watson controlled the midfield alongside Leesa Mi Mi - her workrate was second to none. The midcourter had 26 goal assists and 19 centre feed receives. While Cara Koenen didn't miss a shot all night. Firebirds tried to stay in the fight - but repeated turnovers led to their seventh consecutive loss. The two Queensland sides were fairly evenly matched in the first quarter with both teams having the lead at some point. It really amped up in the Super Shot period with Firebirds swapping out Mary Cholhok for long range shooter specialist Abigail Latu-Meafou. The move paid off with Latu-Meafou netting two of her three super shots. Lighting's defence, led by Bruce, worked hard to keep the super shooter away from the long range area. It produced a crucial turnover which led to Steph Fretwell sinking a super shot in the final seconds of the quarter to put Sunshine Coast ahead 18-17 at the first break. Firebirds defenders Ruby Bakewell-Doran and Isabelle Shearer forced Fretwell and Koenen to get creative in the second quarter - slowing the shooting rate but not halting it. The damage on the scoreboard could have been far greater were it not for Latu-Meafou netting another two super shots. But it just wasn't enough to catch up to the fast-moving Lightning side who took a 37-33 lead into half time. Lightning really hit the accelerator in the third quarter outshooting Firebirds 20-13 to take an 11 point lead into the final break. Firebirds staged a comeback in the final quarter, getting some quick goals on the board much to the delight of the 4666 strong crowd at Nissan Arena. But clawing back an 11 goal deficit in a single quarter was always going to be a big ask. Firebirds did hang on to win the final quarter 16-15 but Lightning took the game 72-62 Mi Mi means business Leesa Mi Mi was everywhere tonight - her darting runs created plenty of opportunities for the Lightning. Mi Mi had ticked the box in the gains, deflections and intercepts columns on the stat sheet. She created plenty of opportunities with 14 goal assists. The agile centre worked really well with Liz Watson - signalling what could become a key link up for the Diamonds in the near future. Firebirds need a spark The Firebirds are now on a seven game losing streak and it is going to take a lot to snap them out of it. We got a glimpse of what the Firebirds can do in the final quarter - where they staged a comeback. But they need to win more than one quarter if they want to get a win on the board. Cholhok has been a key addition under the post but the costly turnovers in the midcourt are hampering her shooting rate. They just seemed out of touch with the very clinical Lightning side. Firebirds have a tough game next week against Thunderbirds but a win would give them a massive confidence boost and could reignite their season. A few consecutive wins and other results going their way and Firebirds could still be playing finals netball.
ABC News
4 days ago
- Sport
- ABC News
Super Netballer and Diamond Cara Koenen opens up about violence against women
Cara Koenen is universally adored in the Super Netball world. The foundation Sunshine Coast Lightning player has precision under the net and a charismatic approach to life both in and out of the shooters' circle. But beneath the surface, the 29-year-old has been consumed by an experience that she says rocked her existence. Koenen is a victim of sexual assault, and she is speaking out against gendered violence. Netball is the highest participation sport for women and girls in Australia, a fact that fills Koenen with pride. But with it, comes a set of heart-sinking numbers on the sideline, one in four of them will have experienced domestic violence. Koenen knows her position at the top level brings power to speak to a captive audience. "We know that sport has the power to change attitudes and shape culture. So, we want to be role models, not just in how we play, but in how we lead," Koenen said. "I had an experience that really rocked my whole world to be honest." Koenen says that experience affected her confidence, and from there, came a flow on effect. Koenen says a big part of gendered violence is the misconception that it will happen at the hands of a stranger. "Statistically, the perpetrator is way more likely to be someone known to you, or an intimate partner. "We hear so much about how our actions lead to these violent acts … that rhetoric that there's something you've done wrong that led to the abuse. "That was something I really grappled with." Koenen says it impacted her netball and the ability to study. "It became all-consuming in all parts of my life … I couldn't escape it," she said. Koenen says concentration and sleep were her two biggest struggles after her experience. "My confidence on court was deteriorating and training and playing was no longer an escape or a place I could use to distract myself," she said. Koenen sat with the experience on her own for a period of time, because she felt embarrassment about what had happened but eventually found the strength to reach out to friends and family, who she says she is "extremely grateful for." Do you have a story idea about women in sport? Email us abcsport5050@ Koenen notched up her 100th national league match in April this year, is studying a Masters of Molecular Imaging Technology and sits in the top five for offensive rebounds in this season's Super Netball competition, but says it is important to know that domestic violence doesn't discriminate. "You never think it will happen to you," she said. "We grow up learning how to keep ourselves as safe as possible, even in Australia which is supposed to be one of the safest countries in the world. But even that isn't always enough." Her words follow a powerful statement released by the Australian Netball Players' Association (ANPA), in which they released a social media video calling domestic and family violence the most urgent social issue facing Australian women. One woman is killed every nine days by a current or former partner. In 2024 alone, 37 women lost their lives to gendered violence and over 4,600 women were hospitalised due to family and domestic violence — an average of 13 women every single day. And domestic and family violence is the leading cause of homelessness for women and children in our country. The decision to become publicly vocal about the issue stemmed from a general survey conducted on SSN players, with the results showing over 98 per cent of players surveyed felt the need to address domestic violence. "I went back-and-forth a few times about whether I wanted to speak to my own personal experience," Koenen said. "But statistically there are many more people playing on an SSN court who are far more affected by this than we know." Koenen also challenged the public to examine the seemingly "harmless" behaviours and attitudes that could perpetuate a future of violence in younger generations. "It starts with those little misogynistic, patriarchal behaviours or comments, like telling a girl [a boy] pulls your hair because he likes you. "They seem harmless, but they contribute to this broader issue. It's our role to educate ourselves and others about what is and isn't acceptable." Koenen also urges men to have a part in the conversation. "We need to create a society where everyone calls out harmful behaviour, where we empower each other and especially the little girls who look up to us, to speak out and say, 'that's not okay', Koenen said. "No matter what that little voice in the back of your head tells you, it's never anything to do with the victim. "It has everything to do with society and how we educate people and provide safe spaces for those who've suffered through domestic and family violence. "No part of what happened to me was my fault." Koenen also emphasises that if you're not hearing about it, it doesn't mean it's not happening. "We haven't yet created a safe enough space for people to be able to come forward with their experiences," she said. "And ask for the help they need and deserve."
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Fretwell the super shot star in lethal Lightning strike
A banged-up Courtney Bruce produced a stellar defensive effort and Steph Fretwell backed it up with a perfect shooting display as the Sunshine Coast Lightning defeated the Melbourne Mavericks 67-60. Bruce crumpled to the floor in pain with a left ankle injury and could barely put weight on it as she limped off the court in the second quarter of Saturday's Super Netball clash at UniSC Arena. The Lightning led 24-15 at the time, but Bruce's exit allowed the Mavericks to close the margin to four goals a few minutes later. Bruce was able to return near the end of the quarter, with her presence proving crucial as the Lightning blew out the lead to as much as 18 goals in the third quarter, before holding off the Mavericks' late fightback. Lightning goal shooter Cara Koenen scored 45 goals from 51 attempts in a strong effort, but it was Fretwell who was the star in the big moments. Fretwell nailed a perfect 7-of-7 super shots in a remarkable display, and also converted 7-of-7 from normal range on the way to 21 points for the match. Star Mavericks shooter Shimona Jok finished with 41 goals from 42 attempts to go with two super shots, and Uneeq Palavi made 5-of-11 super shots, but it wasn't enough. The result improved the Lightning's record to 5-3, while the Mavericks (2-6) face a monumental task to make the finals. "Last week I wasn't really happy with how I shot, probably been a bit dodgy for the past few weeks," Fretwell told Fox Sports after the match. "Shooting this week was a big part that I wanted to make sure I executed." Denied by Bruce 👊🏼 Watch every game live on Kayo Sports, Foxtel and Binge. — Suncorp Super Netball (@SuperNetball) May 31, 2025 The first quarter was a topsy-turvy affair, with the Lightning shooting out to a 7-2 lead, the Mavericks fighting back to level the scores, before Fretwell's super shots gave the home side a 18-13 lead by the first break. Bruce's injury in the second quarter resulted in a momentum shift. But when Bruce returned to the court and Fretwell nailed some more long-range bombs, the Lightning entered the halftime break with a 38-30 lead. The third quarter was one-way traffic as the Mavericks' scoring dried up and the Lightning went into overdrive, opening up a 57-41 lead by the final change. The margin was whittled down to six goals with three-and-a-half minutes left, but the Lightning were able to hold firm from there. "We are really good at coming from behind at the moment, it's one of our strengths," Mavericks centre Molly Jovic said. "When we've got nothing to lose, we go for it, and we need to work out how to do that from the first quarter."
ABC News
12-05-2025
- Sport
- ABC News
Super Netball Round-Up: Mavericks 'murdered' by silly errors, Firebirds captain's show of solidarity and Swifts win ugly
The real contenders and pretenders of Super Netball are starting to emerge after five rounds. The Adelaide Thunderbirds beat the Queensland Firebirds in Brisbane 62-53, to see the hosts stoop to three straight losses. Despite changes to their roster, the Firebirds are still failing to connect with a tall goal shooter. West Coast Fever jumped into the top four for the first time this season, as they handed the Melbourne Mavericks their heaviest defeat, 78-61. It was a difficult watch for Mavericks coach Tracey Neville, who delivered some tough love to her players. Sunshine Coast Lightning defeated the Giants 74-56, as Cara Koenen slotted her 3000th career goal. Some may have put this down to Giants co-captain Jo Harten being absent for parental reasons, but she hasn't been a consistent force up front this year anyway. Lastly, the NSW Swifts were challenged by the Melbourne Vixens in the first instalment of the 2025 Sargeant-McKinnis Cup. At home, the Swifts prevailed 59-51 in what ended up being the closest game of round five. If you missed it, don't worry — we'll get you up to speed with our Super Netball Round-Up. The frustration boiled over for coach Tracey Neville, as she sat slumped, head in her hands, throughout the Mavericks loss to the Fever. Captain Amy Parmenter was ruled out last-minute when an irritated ankle she'd had a cortisol injection for earlier in the week didn't feel right to play. No-one stood up in her absence. The side lacked leadership and a steady head to direct play as one mistake led to another, like a domino effect. By the first break, they were down 22-14, and although Neville delivered some tough love in the huddles to try and inspire a fightback, they couldn't get any traction on the scoreboard. "Our unforced errors absolutely murdered us," Neville said afterwards. "Where we lost the ball was offensive contacts, held ball, footwork, it was just silly mistakes. "Those technical skills and our ability to finish off a game weren't good enough. "Maybe you do get found out a little bit, we are a new franchise, and we've got a new interchange every week, so you're always building relationships … but that doesn't take away your technical skills, that comes on the individual." Once again, the Mavericks haven't had their full-time, contracted 10 players available to start the season. Lauren Parkinson and Eleanor Cardwell are injured, while Sasha Glasgow is only four games back from a serious leg break that ruled her out in their inaugural year. But some of their issues are around game plan and intent. They need to work on their clock awareness instead of going through the motions towards the end of a quarter. The Mavericks are so focused on feeding shooter Shimona Jok that they continue to miss opportunities throughout the super shot periods to claw back the score. The offensive contacts racked up because they were pushing off the bodies of their opponents to get free instead of doing the prelims required. Both Olivia Lewis and Kim Brown previously played for Fever and have had plenty of experience training against Jamaican target Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard. Yet, neither had a single gain in the opening 30 minutes. They've lost four from five now, with games against the Firebirds and Thunderbirds left to come in this first half of the season. It's time for the Mavericks to decide if they truly want to be top-four contenders and, if so, who is going to provide the much-needed spark? As the Firebirds co-captain, Ruby Bakewell-Doran is in an awkward position. She's been at the club since 2019 through several controversies: The team has been through four different coaches in five seasons. They haven't played finals since 2018, so it hasn't been an easy ride. But Bakewell-Doran's enthusiasm in her new leadership role demonstrates her love for the Firebirds. She's also been their best performing player on court this season. Her decision to publicly support Kamo last week was therefore a pretty brave show of solidarity. It came at a time when the club had denied any wrongdoing and incoming coach Kiri Wills had had a crack at the media for continuing to report the issue. Underneath Kamo's video released via social media — where she explained her love of the game, that key witnesses hadn't been interviewed during the investigation and that she'd lost faith in Netball Australia — fellow defender Bakewell-Doran's comment was short and sweet. "Beautifully said Rem. So incredibly proud of your strength," she said. On Fox Netball show Pivot, Bakewell-Doran was asked why she felt compelled to publicly support her ex-teammate. "The majority of our team weren't present for anything that happened, so for them it's been business as usual, and I've been trying to keep that up while supporting my friend," she said. "We've been playing netball for many years together, so I wanted to have her back and support her, all while getting my club and team ready for a game. "Two things can be true — there were things that needed to be changed, and have been changed, and that Remi is a really good friend of mine; we experienced a lot together in those last two years. "I am here to lead my team and am really proud of the work we have done in the off-season. "We do have a lot of work to continue doing. For us, it is just being really positive and learning from what has happened and moving forward." Bakewell-Doran brought up her 50th Super Netball cap this weekend and that did get a little lost because of this story. The way she has handled herself is impressive, all while trying to put herself back in the mix for Diamonds selection after dropping off the national contracted list last year. They may be the only team left undefeated, but the Swifts have developed a bad habit, conceding the first quarter of a match for the last three rounds. Facing old foes, the Vixens, in a grinding battle that was all about defence, they started slowly and gave away possession in the midcourt. The signing of 1.93m New Zealand shooter Grace Nweke has given them a licence to test how far and high they can fire the ball into their circle. What's gone missing, however, is the discipline we've become accustomed to in their attack. Perhaps the pendulum needs to swing back a bit so that they can find a happy medium? In this match they struggled on the second phase of the centre pass. The team tried three different wing attacks before settling on the best combination, with Paige Hadley donning the WA bib and Allie Smith at centre. The lead changed four times in the opening half before this duo was locked in and then Swifts led the rest of the game. English import Helen Housby was caught in a tough tussle with Vixens goal defence Jo Weston. Although the goal attack managed three vital super shots, she only converted six regular goals. Housby's work in previous weeks to drive into the circle, create space, help with the shooting load and keep the defenders guessing has been one of the keys to the Swifts' success. For two teams that usually deliver such a clinical style of play, both were dragged into a really scrappy affair where they equalled each other's 23 turnovers. The Swifts will be thanking their lucky stars that goalkeeper Sarah Klau was able to win them so much ball back. The Player of the Match tallied nine gains, five intercepts, 13 deflections, two rebounds and three pick-ups . "Really proud of the girls to keep pushing, it wasn't pretty netball and I'm sure we'll learn lots from that," Klau said after the game. The Swifts haven't won all four quarters in any of their five victories. Still, they'll take confidence in the fact that they're still getting the results and can build on their form heading into the back-half of the season.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Koenen stars as Lightning thrash struggling Giants
Sunshine Coast Lightning have brought the Giants crashing back to earth, with star goal shooter Cara Koenen producing a career-best display in a 74-56 Super Netball win at UniSC Arena. Koenen scored a career-high 56 goals from 62 attempts in Sunday's match to help lead her team to the comprehensive victory. The Giants committed a whopping 25 turnovers - including 10 alone from goal attack Sophie Dwyer - as the Lightning made them pay. It was 62-40 by three-quarter time before the Lightning eased up in the final quarter. The result improved Sunshine Coast's record to 3-2, while the Giants are 1-4 and equal bottom of the ladder alongside the Melbourne Mavericks. The tip and the back up 🔥Watch every game live on Kayo Sports, Foxtel and Binge. — Suncorp Super Netball (@SuperNetball) May 11, 2025 Sunday's result was all the more disappointing for the Giants given they had upset defending champions Adelaide 64-63 a week earlier. "We had a disappointing loss last week in the West (against the Fever). I'm proud of what we put out on court today," Koenen told Fox Sports. "It (the win) was all down to work rate. There were repeated efforts every time. "Our defensive end has been doing an amazing job, so we (the attackers) are just looking to convert on our end." After a relatively even first quarter, the Giants went to the first break only down by three goals. The Lightning's lead stretched to nine by half-time, but it was the third quarter that really broke the Giants' spirit. Buoyed by Koenen's hot hand, the Lightning won the quarter 23-10 to put the contest to bed. Giants shooter Matisse Letherbarrow ended the match with six Super Shots to her name from eight attempts in an impressive display. But the Giants' numerous turnovers meant no amount of hot shooting could save them.
