Sunshine Coast Lightning Head Coach Kylee Byrne is preparing her athletes to face Queensland Firebirds at their peak, knowing they will arrive at USC Stadium on Sunday with a point to prove.
New and returning faces at the Firebirds have seen them navigating through new combinations but Byrne believes they are on the verge of a complete 4 quarter performance.
“The first 5 rounds you could tell they were still finding their feet in a way, but you know it’s going to click at some point and that might be this weekend and that’s what we have to be prepared for,” Byrne said.
“They’ve got the SSN experience and international experience there, some of their players have won Premierships before, so it will come for them.”
The added motivation of the Queensland rivalry runs deep and adds extra motivation to take home the points.
“Both teams really lift you go into each game wanting to win but there’s something a little bit extra in a local derby,” she said.
Lightning is coming off a 1 goal victory over Adelaide Thunderbirds on the road.
When reflecting on the win Byrne was pleased with the absolute faith the team had in the moment and how they continued to grind it out until the final whistle.
“It was a really good win on the road and to win like that again,” she said.
“There was such self-belief and confidence that whatever situation presents to this Lightning team, they are ready to take it on and get the win from it.”
Sunshine Coast Lightning will take on Queensland Firebirds on Sunday 6 June 2021 from 3pm, followed by a relocated double header match between Melbourne Vixens and Adelaide Thunderbirds.
