Sunshine Coast Lightning will open the 2024 Suncorp Super Netball season in front of a bumper crowd this Sunday at UniSC Arena.
As one of the most highly anticipated teams in the league, Lightning Members and fans will be flocking to the match to see the players in action for the first time as they take on the NSW Swifts.
Sunshine Coast Lightning Head Coach Belinda Reynolds said the first match of the season was going to be tough, but the players were ready for it.
“The pre-season has been a long grind, and now it’s time for the real deal,” she said.
“Many people have tipped Swifts as the favourites this year, and they’ve had a good team for quite a while now. It’s a hard contest to get first up but we’re walking towards that.
“We have a lot of respect for the Swifts and I believe we have what it takes to match up against them. Historically we’ve lined up really well against them so I think it’s going to be a great game and will come down to the wire.”
Sunshine Coast Lightning defender Ashleigh Ervin spoke about what Lightning’s defence will bring this season.
“There is definitely external pressure for us to perform. We do have good names in our team, but our focus is to block that out and just focus on how we want to play,” she said.
“The Swifts are a formidable team, they are consistent and strong, but we’re shifting our focus to our strengths. We’ve got a lot of height in our defensive line-up and a lot of brains which is what we bring to the table.”
Lightning will take on the NSW Swifts this Sunday, 14 April at UniSC Arena at 4pm. Limited tickets are available via Ticketek: https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/Show.aspx?sh=LIGHT0124
For those unable to attend the match in person, the game will be streamed live and free via Kayo: https://goto.kayosports.com.au/y2reVv
