Collingwood’s tumultuous week has ended on a heartbreaking note with a valiant 66-62 defeat to Sunshine Coast Lightning at UniSC Arena.
Key points:
- The Magpies were playing their first game since announcing they will quit Super Netball
- The scores had been tied 62-62 inside the final two minutes
- The win halted the Lightning’s four-game losing run
With the scores tied at 62-62 entering the final 90 seconds of the First Nations Round game, Lightning captain Steph Wood buried a clutch super shot, before Sophie Garbin missed the equaliser from long range at the other end.
Two more goals to Cara Koenen sealed victory, snapping the Lightning’s four-match losing streak and leaving an emotional Collingwood coach Nicole Richardson in tears after the final bell.
“I can’t imagine the week that they (Magpies) have had,” Lightning’s Wood said.
“For them to turn up and play the way they did, it’s a massive credit to the character of their team.
“We kept fighting … we clawed that deficit back and I’m really proud.”
The Magpies received a spine-tingling standing ovation from Lightning supporters before the game and cast aside a taxing week off the court with a bright start on it.
Shimona Nelson nailed 19 shots without a miss to put the Magpies up 19-17 at quarter-time before adding another 16 in the second, including a goal on the half-time buzzer, to stretch Collingwood’s buffer to 39-32.
Nelson’s combination in the circle with Garbin, who buried four shots and drilled nine assists for the term, was giving the hosts headaches, as was the industriousness of centre Molly Jovic, who was outstanding in her 50th game.
The Lightning started the third term with a 5-0 burst, with Laura Scherian and Mahalia Cassidy looking dangerous with their midcourt playmaking and Karla Pretorius getting on top of Garbin.
Koenen gave the Lightning their first lead midway through the quarter, which they dominated 20-10 to move ahead 52-49 at three-quarter-time before fighting off the gallant Magpies down the stretch.
AAP
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