Loughborough Lightning win 12th game in a row
LOUGHBOROUGH Lightning recorded their 12th win in a row on Sunday afternoon, with a gruelling battle against Severn Stars resulting in a 50-41 victory.
Lightning began proceedings with an explosive start, claiming their first point within 10 seconds of the first whistle but the two sides were level on points for much of the game as Lightning ended the first quarter 12-9 ahead.
The second quarter began with no changes to Lightning’s side, as they continued with their fast pace approach to the game, successfully shutting down Stars attempts to feed the ball to the circle edge time and time again. Upping her work rate, Clark consistently offered options on the circle edge, whilst sending confident balls into Cholhok and Lightning closed the half 26-19 up.
Making changes to her side in the second half, Francis-Bayman rotated the bench, moving Sam May to the GK position and giving Jas Odeogberin the opportunity to make her mark at goal defence.
Famous for her speed and flair on the ball Stars captain Liana Leota met her match with Lightning’s Cobden tracking her movement with key precision and wreaking havoc on Stars favoured option. Bringing Liverseidge on to the wing attack position with just two minutes left, Francis-Bayman’s switch up gave Lightning a final injection of energy heading into the final quarter with a 36-31 lead.
Failing to take the game lying down, Stars continued to keep their foot in the game, closing Lightning’s lead to just four points with only six minutes on the clock. Lightning however kept chipping away, capitalising on unforced errors from the opposition and working hard to keep the ball safe.
The clock ticked down, and Lightning ground out the win, eventually claiming their 12th win in a row, with a 50-41 victory.
Head Coach Sara Francis-Bayman said: “It was ugly today, we struggled defensively which is something a little bit new for us. Attack then didn’t take the load, through court we looked nervous with ball, it never really flowed, and Stars are a team that do a good job of disrupting you and I don’t think we did a good job of adapting to that today.”
IN RECOGNITION of Mental health Awareness Week (May 10-May 16), Loughborough University Sport is further strengthening its mental health support to its studentathletes through a new partnership with Sporting Minds UK.
Sporting Minds UK is a registered charity that seeks to raise awareness and provide support for positive mental health in sportspeople aged 16 to 30 where they can access free, fast and confidential private mental health support.
As part of the collaboration, Loughborough Sport has launched a video campaign across its social media channels in which its sporting community share experiences to normalise the issue of mental health in sport.
These will include interviews with Richard Riakporhe, British Cruiserweight and WBA International Champion boxer, Ross Edgley, adventurer and Loughborough University alumni, James Greer, Loughborough Students’ Athletic Union President and Sport Executive Officer, and other University sporting professionals and practitioners.
Loughborough Sport have also formed an advisory board across its clubs which will improve mental health awareness and education, increase support and mental health training, create, and deliver fundraising events, and tackle the stigma around mental health.
Jo Simpson, Commercial and Facilities Director, Loughborough Sport, who has led on integrating Sporting Minds UK at Loughborough, said: “What’s really great about this relationship with Sporting Minds UK is that we’re doing things differently.
“We have created an advisory board so that Sporting Minds UK and mental health support are properly embedded within our sporting community.
“We are adding to the existing mental health support provision that the University provides to all its students with a unique focus on sport.
“This could be from deselection to injury, to poor performance. This a fantastic partnership.”