Another home win for Lightning against a strong Mavericks side

The strong attack of Mavericks from the centre pass provided Lightning with a fast-paced quarter within the attacking third. However, important interceptions and communication from Alice Harvey and Jas Odeogberin brought Lightning into action, creating an equally matched effort from both teams.

Nat Panagarry and Hannah Joseph commanded centre court with the aggressive play contained and possession progressed through the team. Lightning showed increasingly strong and quick-thinking passes to bring about goals from Mary Cholhok.

The second quarter brought undeniable link-up play in both Lightning’s attack and defence. Fran Williams created several turnovers in play to take the ball to the attacking third and relieve the pressure from the defence. Cholhok and Emma Thacker confidently battled through the Maverick defence to score a flurry of goals despite the vocal Mavericks bench and constant strong challenges from all players.

Continued leadership and communication from Lightning put the team in front and saw a cross-court pass from Panagarry to Joseph to cut out the Mavericks' centre court and add another goal to Lightning’s nine-goal lead heading into halftime. Play from both teams was relentless in the effort to fight for each goal and reclaim possession.

Entering the third quarter Lighting used the left side of the court to produce quick passing and goals from Cholhok, combining with Odeogbrien’s turnovers to strengthen the defensive unit of Lightning. Mavericks were matching the accurate passing amongst the bustling atmosphere inside the Sir David Wallace Arena.

Throughout the quarter there were several challenges in Lightning’s defensive third as Thacker fought to further the team’s lead. Harvey was fierce in her defence of the goal and brought the play back to Lightning against the run of Mavericks attacking three. Lightning’s dominance and persistence paid off at the end of the third quarter with a thirteen-goal lead.

An early change in the final quarter of the game saw Rhea Dixon replace Thacker at the heart of the Lightning attack. Dixon’s presence was immediately felt in the Lightning attack. Further changes in the later stages of the final quarter saw Harvey exit the court for Zanele Vimbela at goal keeper and Bella Baylis enter at centre. Vimbela was instantly called into action to defend against the Mavericks’ aggressive form of play. Interceptions from Williams proved vital in preventing the build-up in Mavericks’ attack. Lightning finished the game with a seventeen-goal difference and secured the win to continue the unbeaten start to the season.

Gilbert Player of the Match - Fran Williams

The Long Tall Sally Star of the Game was named Nat Panagarry

Lightning return to the court away at Manchester Thunder on 3^rd March at the Belle Vue Arena and return to home action on 19^th March against Leeds Rhinos at the Sir David Wallace Sports Hall.

Tickets to Lightning’s 2023 home campaign are now on sale and can be purchased at: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/sport/performance/lightning/netball/fixtures-results/

Match Report provided by Loughborough Lightning