The second pre-season hit-out of the 2023 season saw Sunshine Coast Lightning travel to Bendigo, Victoria as part of the Melbourne Vixens ‘Bound4Bendigo’ tournament.
Lightning took the win in both games, beating the Melbourne Vixens 66-55 on Saturday and the Adelaide Thunderbirds 69-60 on Sunday.
Head Coach Belinda Reynolds said the pre-season games were key in testing combinations within the contracted 10.
“The trip to Bendigo was the first opportunity for the contracted 10 players to be on the road together, which allowed us to connect as a group and test those key combinations for the first time,” she said.
“I’m excited by the versatility the group has to offer, and was especially impressed by the way the players were able to adapt to different combinations.”
Many fans were thrilled to see Karla Pretorius in the line-up for Lightning for the first time since giving birth to her daughter, Kara.
“It was fantastic to have Karla back in the line-up for the first time this season. Her experience and ability to win ball back is truly an asset to the team.”
Pretorius rolled her ankle mid-way through the fourth quarter against Adelaide Thunderbirds and will be managed over the next few days, but will be back at training next week.
Sunshine Coast Lightning’s pre-season matches will continue next week, as the Suncorp Team Girls Cup kicks off on Friday 24 February at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre.
