Lightning insist it is just the start of thunder

LIGHTNING captain Geva Mentor reckons the undefeated Sunshine Coast have only just scratched the surface after a 58-52 win over the Melbourne Vixens in a “fairytale’’ first home game yesterday.

In front of a near-capacity crowd of 2003 spectators at the University of the Sunshine Coast, the Lightning claimed their first Suncorp Super Netball win after the 56-56 draw with the Firebirds in Round 1 the previous week.

Sunshine Coast goal shooter Caitlin Bassett had 50 goals from 53 attempts as the Lightning christened their new home court in the best possible way.

The Vixens led for most of the first half but the scores were level at halftime.

The Lightning surged into the lead for the first time in the third term and quickly kicked away to a nine-goal buffer on the back of Bassett’s domination.

They survived a Vixens comeback in the final quarter when Melbourne closed to four goals on two occasions.

Mentor said the Lightning would only get bigger and better.

“It’s probably the fairytale start for our club,’’ she said.

‘‘Obviously the girls did some good work last week and we just took it on this week.

“Its important for us to remember it’s still early days.

‘‘It’s still Round 2. We are still building as a club and we are still addressing things.

‘‘We are still looking to improve and get that consistency.” The Lightning will play the Adelaide Thunderbirds in Adelaide on Sunday.