Latest news with #SunshineCoastLightning
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
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." 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." 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." 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." 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." 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."
Yahoo
4 days ago
- 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."
News.com.au
24-05-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Super Netball round 7: NSW Swifts 70 d. Sunshine Coast Lightning 62, West Coast Fever 75 d. Giants 66
The NSW Swifts have maintained their perfect Super Netball record at the halfway point of the season, claiming a 70-62 victory over Sunshine Coast Lightning to stamp their dominance as the team to beat in 2025. Led by Silver Ferns superstar shooter Grace Nweke, with 50 from 56 shooting for the night, the Swifts kicked out to an enormous 18-goal lead midway through the final term before a late surge from the home side gave the Swifts a few anxious moments. The highly anticipated battle between Nweke and Diamonds defender Courtney Bruce lived up to the hype, with Nweke consistently finding answers and showcasing her skill and composure. Her shooting partner, Helen Housby, also proved a handful for Ash Ervin, contributing significantly to the Swifts' attacking prowess with 21 assists, 12 of 13 goals and four from seven super shots. The efficiency of the Swifts attack simply made it difficult for the Lightning to force any turnovers. While Swifts head coach Briony Akle may have been concerned by the team's finish, which saw the Lightning threaten a historic comeback, the title front runners ultimately held their nerve to secure the win. Paige Hadley was sublime through the centre court and had 21 assists and 27 feeds, while youngsters Grace Whyte and Teigan O'Shannassy gained valuable court time. EARLY DOMINANCE SETS THE TONE The Swifts established an early lead, capitalising on Lightning's inaccuracies and a crucial intercept from Sharni Lambden to go up 14-9. Although the Lightning briefly closed the gap with a Super Shot from Reilley Batcheldor, Housby responded in kind, giving the Swifts a 17-13 advantage at the first break. The second quarter was a tighter affair, with both teams struggling to convert bonus possessions. However, the Swifts managed to extend their lead to six points midway through the period. A late Super Shot from Lightning's Steph Fretwell, celebrating her 150th game, and a subsequent goal from Cara Koenen reduced the deficit to five points at halftime as the visitors led 34-29. SWIFTS TOO STRONG The Swifts came out firing in the third quarter, securing three consecutive gains to extend their lead to nine. While much has been made of the arrival of Nweke, it was in transition on the back of the defensive efforts of Lambden, Sarah Klau, and Maddy Turner that really stood up in the third term to take a 13 goal lead into the final break. The Swifts extended their advantage to 18 and appeared to be in total cruise control until Fretwell and Koenen scored four unanswered Super Shots. But it was too little too late as the Swifts steadied the run and secured their seventh victory of the season, guaranteeing them at least a two win buffer at the top of the table ahead of next week's clash with reigning champion Adelaide Thunderbirds in Sydney on Saturday night. LIGHTNING WORK IN PROGRESS Touted as genuine premiership contenders, the loss proves the Lightning are still not quite the real deal despite boasting Diamonds stars like Bruce, Fretwell, Koenen and Liz Watson. Emerging star Leesa Mi Mi had a tough night opposing Diamond Hadley, but there were just far too many turnovers on the attack end with Watson and Fretwell repeat offenders. With four wins from their opening half of the season, the Lightning are firmly entrenched in the top four and can move further clear in the race for the finals at home next Saturday against the fifth-placed Mavericks. Fowler-Nembhard stamps name in record books -Jenny Sinclair Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard continues to stamp her name in the record books, as she led West Coast Fever to a tough nine point Super Netball win over Giants Netball in Sydney. In an MVP performance, the Jamaican superstar became the first player to reach 9000 national league goals, but Fever were pushed for the last three quarters in their 75 to 66 point victory. Despite the Giants' terrific fightback that saw them sit on level terms during the third quarter, they've now lost six of their last seven games, leaving them stranded at the bottom of the ladder. With increasing criticism of the team's results, captain Jo Harten made an impassioned post on Instagram midweek. Speaking pre match she explained, 'When you're not having a mega successful season on the court results wise, there is an over scrutiny potentially of players and team management. My post during the week was just a gentle reminder that we have a great sport, a great community, let's show some kindness to each other.' That criticism may only grow as Giants got out to a terrible start, shooting just one point to the Fever's seven in the early stages of the game. Co-captain Jamie-Lee Price later described her team as looking like 'stunned mullets', as Harten was benched just nine minutes into the game. Matisse Letherbarrow took her place and four supershots from her and teammate Sophie Dwyer dragged back a threatening eleven point lead to just eight by quarter time. At the opposite end of the court, another of Giants' youngsters was showing her flare, despite having a tough assignment against Fowler-Nembhard. Matched against the world's best shooter, Erin O'Brien was at her most effective when she came off the body to pick off five gains. She played a crucial role in helping the Giants lift their performance, as they made strong inroads into Fever's lead to be just four points down by half time. Giants burst out of the blocks in the third quarter to level the score, but their chances were hampered by a knee injury to Jodi-Ann Ward. Fever remained composed throughout the match, to push out the lead again. Alice Teague-Neeld's calm head and smooth feeding was particularly crucial, Sunday Aryang continued her career-best form with six gains, and Fowler-Nembhard top scored with 63 from 66. NEAR-FLAWLESS FOWLER-NEMBHARD While Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard became the first player to reach 9000 national league goals, it isn't the only record she owns. The five time league MVP has scored the highest number of points in seven of the last ten seasons, has taken part in four of the highest ever scoring games, has scored the most goals in a game, and the most goals in a final. It's truly GOAT status. CONTRACTING CONCERNS With six Giants out of contract next year, it might be time for a shake up of their roster. However, the player they'd most like to keep – Jamie-Lee Price – may ask for an early release so she can head to Melbourne for 2026, where her AFL playing partner is now based. GIANT ROOM FOR GROWTH It's the inconsistency between the Giants' best and worst that has plagued their 2025 season. They are the most prolific team in Super Netball for supershots, with the third highest accuracy at the post, and also sit inside the top four for converting gains to goals, at around 70 per cent. However, they have the second worst centre pass conversion rate at 65 per cent, have taken the least number of gains, and given away the most turnovers. All of which points to some individual brilliance, but a team that can't string sixty minutes of netball together.
The Advertiser
18-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Lightning shock Vixens to go second on Super ladder
Sunshine Coast Lightning have banked back-to-back wins for the first time this season with Reilley Batcheldor helping keep the Melbourne Vixens at bay in their Super Netball clash. The Lightning kept a full house at John Cain Arena quiet on Sunday afternoon, posting a 62-50 victory over the home side, who announced post-match that Simone McKinnis would step down at the end of the season after 13 years as coach. Their fourth win of the season lifted the Lightning to second on the ladder, above West Coast Fever on points differential, while the Vixens remain second-last. With centre Leesa Mi Mi in constant motion, Lightning goal-shooter Batcheledor topped the scoring with 48 goals from 52 attempts for the match. Her performance allowed coach Belinda Reynolds to rest star shooter Cara Koenen, under an injury cloud, for the entire match. The Queenslanders led 14-11 at quarter-time but started to assert their dominance in the second term. McKinnis switched up her defenders, moving Jo Weston to goal-keeper to try to restrict the scoring, but the Lightning still managed to take a 31-23 lead into halftime. With Batcheldor bagging 13 goals in the third quarter and the Lightning's defensive end looking rock-solid, that lead was out to a commanding 37-27 heading into the final term. Former Vixens star centre Liz Watson looked right at home back in Melbourne and continued to control the midcourt as the home side failed to make a dent on the margin. Lightning goal defence Tara Hinchcliffe, who had five gains, two intercepts and six deflections, was delighted with her team's showing. "I always feel like playing Vixens is a traditional game of netball, with the moving circles at both ends, it's hard work, " said Hinchliffe, named player of the match. "Coming into this game we knew that this would potentially mean second on the ladder for us so we wanted to come out and put in that performance, so I'm so proud of the girls." McKinnis was presented with flowers at the end of the match after celebrating her 200th game as a national league head coach last round. The Vixens wanted to ensure the milestone wasn't missed, with McKinnis then announcing her departure. The former Australian Diamonds star guided the Vixens to national league titles in 2014 and 2020, minor premierships in 2017, 2020 and 2022, and to Super Netball grand final appearances in 2022 and 2024. McKinnis said while her passion for coaching and netball remained, with her contract expiring it was the right time to hand over the reins. "It has been my privilege to work with so many tremendously talented athletes in my time as head coach, including among the current playing group, and share so much success with them," McKinnis said. "My commitment and focus remains on guiding the Vixens through the rest of the 2025 season and into finals." Sunshine Coast Lightning have banked back-to-back wins for the first time this season with Reilley Batcheldor helping keep the Melbourne Vixens at bay in their Super Netball clash. The Lightning kept a full house at John Cain Arena quiet on Sunday afternoon, posting a 62-50 victory over the home side, who announced post-match that Simone McKinnis would step down at the end of the season after 13 years as coach. Their fourth win of the season lifted the Lightning to second on the ladder, above West Coast Fever on points differential, while the Vixens remain second-last. With centre Leesa Mi Mi in constant motion, Lightning goal-shooter Batcheledor topped the scoring with 48 goals from 52 attempts for the match. Her performance allowed coach Belinda Reynolds to rest star shooter Cara Koenen, under an injury cloud, for the entire match. The Queenslanders led 14-11 at quarter-time but started to assert their dominance in the second term. McKinnis switched up her defenders, moving Jo Weston to goal-keeper to try to restrict the scoring, but the Lightning still managed to take a 31-23 lead into halftime. With Batcheldor bagging 13 goals in the third quarter and the Lightning's defensive end looking rock-solid, that lead was out to a commanding 37-27 heading into the final term. Former Vixens star centre Liz Watson looked right at home back in Melbourne and continued to control the midcourt as the home side failed to make a dent on the margin. Lightning goal defence Tara Hinchcliffe, who had five gains, two intercepts and six deflections, was delighted with her team's showing. "I always feel like playing Vixens is a traditional game of netball, with the moving circles at both ends, it's hard work, " said Hinchliffe, named player of the match. "Coming into this game we knew that this would potentially mean second on the ladder for us so we wanted to come out and put in that performance, so I'm so proud of the girls." McKinnis was presented with flowers at the end of the match after celebrating her 200th game as a national league head coach last round. The Vixens wanted to ensure the milestone wasn't missed, with McKinnis then announcing her departure. The former Australian Diamonds star guided the Vixens to national league titles in 2014 and 2020, minor premierships in 2017, 2020 and 2022, and to Super Netball grand final appearances in 2022 and 2024. McKinnis said while her passion for coaching and netball remained, with her contract expiring it was the right time to hand over the reins. "It has been my privilege to work with so many tremendously talented athletes in my time as head coach, including among the current playing group, and share so much success with them," McKinnis said. "My commitment and focus remains on guiding the Vixens through the rest of the 2025 season and into finals." Sunshine Coast Lightning have banked back-to-back wins for the first time this season with Reilley Batcheldor helping keep the Melbourne Vixens at bay in their Super Netball clash. The Lightning kept a full house at John Cain Arena quiet on Sunday afternoon, posting a 62-50 victory over the home side, who announced post-match that Simone McKinnis would step down at the end of the season after 13 years as coach. Their fourth win of the season lifted the Lightning to second on the ladder, above West Coast Fever on points differential, while the Vixens remain second-last. With centre Leesa Mi Mi in constant motion, Lightning goal-shooter Batcheledor topped the scoring with 48 goals from 52 attempts for the match. Her performance allowed coach Belinda Reynolds to rest star shooter Cara Koenen, under an injury cloud, for the entire match. The Queenslanders led 14-11 at quarter-time but started to assert their dominance in the second term. McKinnis switched up her defenders, moving Jo Weston to goal-keeper to try to restrict the scoring, but the Lightning still managed to take a 31-23 lead into halftime. With Batcheldor bagging 13 goals in the third quarter and the Lightning's defensive end looking rock-solid, that lead was out to a commanding 37-27 heading into the final term. Former Vixens star centre Liz Watson looked right at home back in Melbourne and continued to control the midcourt as the home side failed to make a dent on the margin. Lightning goal defence Tara Hinchcliffe, who had five gains, two intercepts and six deflections, was delighted with her team's showing. "I always feel like playing Vixens is a traditional game of netball, with the moving circles at both ends, it's hard work, " said Hinchliffe, named player of the match. "Coming into this game we knew that this would potentially mean second on the ladder for us so we wanted to come out and put in that performance, so I'm so proud of the girls." McKinnis was presented with flowers at the end of the match after celebrating her 200th game as a national league head coach last round. The Vixens wanted to ensure the milestone wasn't missed, with McKinnis then announcing her departure. The former Australian Diamonds star guided the Vixens to national league titles in 2014 and 2020, minor premierships in 2017, 2020 and 2022, and to Super Netball grand final appearances in 2022 and 2024. McKinnis said while her passion for coaching and netball remained, with her contract expiring it was the right time to hand over the reins. "It has been my privilege to work with so many tremendously talented athletes in my time as head coach, including among the current playing group, and share so much success with them," McKinnis said. "My commitment and focus remains on guiding the Vixens through the rest of the 2025 season and into finals."
Perth Now
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Lightning shock Vixens to go second on Super ladder
Sunshine Coast Lightning have banked back-to-back wins for the first time this season with Reilley Batcheldor helping keep the Melbourne Vixens at bay in their Super Netball clash. The Lightning kept a full-house at John Cain Arena quiet on Sunday afternoon, posting a 62-50 victory over the home side. Their fourth win of the season lifted the Lightning to second on the ladder, above West Coast Fever on points differential, while the Vixens remain second-last. With centre Leesa Mi Mi in constant motion, Lightning goal-shooter Batcheledor topped the scoring with 48 goals from 52 attempts for the match. Her performance allowed coach Belinda Reynolds to rest star shooter Cara Koenen, under an injury cloud, for the entire match. The Queenslanders led 14-11 at quarter-time but started to assert their dominance in the second term. Vixens coach Simone McKinnis switched up her defenders, moving Jo Weston to goal-keeper to try to quell the goals but the Lightning still managed to take a 31-23 lead into halftime. With Batcheldor bagging 13 goals in the third quarter and the Lightning's defensive end looking rock-solid, that lead was out to a commanding 37-27 heading into the final term. Former Vixens star centre Liz Watson looked right at home back in Melbourne and continued to control the midcourt as the home side failed to make a dent on the margin. Lightning goal defence Tara Hinchcliffe, who had five gains, two intercepts and six deflections, was delighted with her team's showing. "I always feel like playing Vixens is a traditional game of netball, with the moving circles at both ends, it's hard work, " said Hinchliffe, named player of the match. "Coming into this game we knew that this would potentially mean second on the ladder for us so we wanted to come out and put in that performance, so I'm so proud of the girls."
