Cool Bassett snuffs out Firebirds

IT was not Caitlin Bassett’s first rodeo. And it showed.

In her 175th national league game yesterday, the Sunshine Coast star hit the matchwinning goal with three seconds left on the clock to hand the Lightning a thrilling 58-57 win over the Queensland Firebirds at USC Stadium.

The Lightning enjoyed a match-high five-goal lead midway through the final quarter but the Firebirds roared back into the match in the last few minutes to set up a nailbiting finish in Suncorp Super Netball’s “Sunshine Shootout”.

Scores were level at 57-all with 29 seconds left on the clock as the Lightning struggled to get the ball to Bassett.

The Australian Diamonds captain eventually got her hands on the ball and calmly hit the decisive goal for the Lightning to break the hearts of their Queensland rivals.

“I got a bit antsy (with 10 seconds to go) but we timed it really well,’’ Bassett said.

Bassett finished with 34 goals from 38 attempts.