Sunshine Coast coach Noeline Taurua hailed her side's fantastic unbeaten start to the Super Netball season after the Lightning's 52-41 win over the Thunderbirds on Sunday in Adelaide.
The win was more impressive considering they were without injured stars, New Zealand centre Laura Langman and Stephanie Wood.
Taurua was particularly happy with the performances of internationals Geva Mentor and Caitlin Bassett.
Spearhead Bassett again dominated for the expansion club with 43 goals from 46 attempts at Priceline Stadium, giving her 141 for the season across Sunshine Coast's first three outings.
Mentor showed her class in defence, creating a number of turnovers and making life difficult for Adelaide's shooters, Erin Bell and Karyn Bailey.
"They are both experienced campaigners but Geva turned over a lot of ball and was a menace in defence and Bassett's shooting percentage and availability was great," Taurua said.
Taurua also praised Laura Scherian who was prominent all game at centre and fed Bassett with some brilliant passes.
"Laura was nervous early but she got into her work and I was really proud of her and the team," she said.
Despite the home side giving their all in the first half, the Lightning were too strong and led by 27-20 at the long break. Bassett was superb inside the shooting circle with 22 goals from 24 attempts.
With the home crowd behind them, the Thunderbirds came out as a different side after halftime and pulled within three goals early in the third, however they had all the answers and led 38-32 at three-quarter time.
The Thunderbirds put up a fight in the final term and, led by a parochial home crowd, they came within seven goals with three minutes to go, however the visitors were too strong and showed their class when it mattered most.
Adelaide coach Dan Ryan was disappointed by the loss and lamented his side's key turnovers and poor decision making.
"We had our chances but we blew our opportunities and threw the game away by our poor decision making and lack of connections under pressure," he said.
"Gena Mentor got into all the shooters' heads and we just played into their hands for most of the game.
"The defensive unit of Malysha Kelly and Fiona Themann did well up against Diamonds international shooter Bassett and Cara Koenen."
Next up for the the Lightning is a home clash on Saturday night with the undefeated GWS and the Thunderbirds take on the Collingwood Magpies on Sunday afternoon in Melbourne.
Share
