Lightning keep up their winning momentum
LOUGHBOROUGH LIGHTNING 68 TEAM NORTHUMBRIA 51
LOUGHBOROUGH Lightning secured yet another victory after a thrilling 68-51 win over Team Northumbria.
Taking to court wearing black armbands in memory of those who lost their lives in Manchester earlier this week, a minutes silence was held ahead of the first centre pass.
Getting off to a flying start, Lightning fired on all cylinders to quickly take a three point lead over the visitors and with precision passing into the circle and smooth shooting from Proscovia, Light- ning were able to close the quarter 15-9 ahead.
In the second quarter Lightning’s defence increased the pressure, eager to force errors in Northumbria’s attack. Loughborough University student Ella Gibbons used her lightning reactions and long limbs to continuously tip the ball away from the shooters hands and the half ended with Lightning 10 points ahead 31-21.
Going into the second half unchanged, Lightning remained composed, keen to increase their lead and show the opposition what they’re made of. Cobden, Panagarry and Joseph continued to work the ball down the court where, aided by Clark’s seamless drops into the circle, Proscovia was able to turn the ball into points. Flying over the line at each centre pass, Joseph’s agile presence on court was key to Lightning’s success executing almost perfect passes into the D. Lightning left the court 53-35 up with a massive 18 point lead.
In the final quarter Clark took a well earned rest while Northumbria rapidly increased their physical presence on court to try and reduce the deficit but Lightning’s defensive duo upped their work rate and Lightning eased to a 68-51 win.
Lightning have just one game remaining in the 2017 Vitality Netball Superleague before they head to Final Four to compete for the coveted title. Catch them in action on Saturday (June 3) when they welcome Surrey Storm to Loughborough University. Tickets are available at http://loughboroughsport.com/loughborough- lightning/fixturesandresults/