The game began with both teams going goal for goal. After a rebound was caught by Smith, Lightning looked to lead but lost the ball in their attacking third. Hard work from both defenders Smith and Harvey, proved paramount in slowing down Stars. Lightning then went on to lead the game with a clean shot from Dixon leaving the score 10-7.
A great leap from Harvey saw her tip off the ball in the defending circle to the roar of the crowd. Captain Panagarry could be heard across the court spurring her team on and sending some fast feeds into Cholhok to convert. WA, Hannah Joseph tipped off the ball to disrupt the play of Stars, the whole team worked hard for the best possible start.
The second quarter saw some more back and forth between the two sides before a brilliant play from Cobden allowed Cholhok back-to-back conversions. Lightning used their channels well to dominate the quarter after seven minutes of play, increasing their lead to 11 points.
Dixon showed off her shooting skill shortly before Smith tipped off the ball. An unmissable contest between Cholhok and Stars’ defender Jasmine Brown kept up the spectacle of the game. The intensity grew as both teams scrambled to make their next conversion.
Half-time: Loughborough Lightning 39 – 24 Severn Stars
Quarter three started with both teams going goal-for-goal again. Joseph sent a long feed into Cholhok for her to convert. Down the opposite end of the court, Panagarry picked up the ball on the edge of the defending circle. The first changes came then from head coach Vic Burgess with Roddy replacing Smith as GD, and Clark replacing Dixon as GA.
Quick on her feet, Cobden intercepted the ball. Lightning began to score more conversions after Stars having majority possession for several minutes.
The final quarter saw an effective partnership between attacking duo Clark and Cholhok. Another change then came from Burgess with Baylis replacing Panagarry as C. Lightning’s defence went from strength to strength as they made some serious problems for the Stars’ attackers.
More changes came with Smith returning to court as GK for Harvey, and Popoola replacing Cobden as WD. Stars seemed to find their feet and make some much-needed conversions. Additional changes had Dixon replace Joseph as WA, Clark switch to GS for Cholhok, and McCall enter court as GA. Dixon and McCall moved in tandem to keep Lightning on the offensive. Lightning secured the win with a 12-point lead.
Full-time: Loughborough Lightning 72 – 60 Severn Stars
Lightning head coach Vic Burgess comments on the team’s performance...
“After the loss last week, we weren’t very happy coming away from that. We’ve worked hard in training this week and that home semi-final has been a major target for us across the season, so we’re really pleased.
“To be able to figure out what the opposition are doing to you in the moment and adapt to play throughout the quarters is key.
“We’ve got some real strength across not only our seven but our 12. We adapted well today and everybody that came on court did exactly what we wanted of them.”
Lightning captain Nat Panagarry was named both Kissimmee player of the match and Long Tall Sally player of the game for her stellar performance on court.
Rhea Dixon was awarded with the title of fan’s player of the season.
Lightning now set their sights on the semi-final which will be against London Pulse on Saturday 22 June. Back at Sir David Wallace Arena, Lightning look to secure their place in the final. Tickets go on live on sale on Monday 17 June.
Starting line-up:
GS: Mary Cholhok
GA: Rhea Dixon
WA: Hannah Joseph
C: Nat Panagarry
WD: Beth Cobden
GD: Nicola Smith
GK: Alice Harvey