Lightning flying high ahead of Super final
NETBALL: Defending champions Sunshine Coast Lightning are embracing the joy of travel after successfully charting the most difficult path to Super Netball’s grand final.
Having started the season with three straight losses, the Lightning can claim back-to-back titles if they can overcome West Coast Fever in Perth on Sunday.
To get to the grand final from fourth place on the ladder, the Lightning had to overcome fierce rivals Queensland Firebirds on their court in Brisbane in the minor semi-final before beating minor premiers the Giants in yesterday’s preliminary final.
The Giants had two chances to secure a spot in the grand final but, like the Melbourne Vixens in last year’s inaugural season, they could not make the home-court advantage count, going down 59-50 yesterday.
The Fever will be well rested for the decider, having had the week off after beating the Giants in the major semi-final last weekend.
But the Lightning are the team with most momentum after their late-season run and insist they won’t shy from the challenge waiting at Perth Arena.
“We actually really like travelling together,” Lightning goal keeper Geva Mentor said. “We’re eager to get over there.
“The main thing is just with our fans being able to come across with us and support us. We’ve had a great support here in Sydney so we hope to see them get on board.”
Lightning assistant coach Kylee Byrne said ability to put pressure on the edge of the circle from both directions was a key part of Lightning’s success, all important when up against West Coast Fever’s powerhouse shooter Jhaniele Fowler, the league’s highest scorer by far.
“When you have got Karla Pretorius and Geva Mentor sitting at the back you know you can win ball, it certainly helps but it’s actually the work that everyone is doing out the front.” Byrne said.
“The luxury of having a grand final last year will play into our favour as well. The girls know what is coming at them.”