The Melbourne Mavericks produced a heart-stopping fourth-quarter comeback, winning by one goal against the Sunshine Coast Lightning in the final seconds of the match. Winning the final quarter 19-15, the Mavericks sealed the win with the slimmest of margins, and claimed the first inclusion round match.
The Lightning had a heart-breaking loss to the Adelaide Thunderbirds in extra time last week, so they were looking for a win, while the Mavericks were looking for their first ever win as a club in the Suncorp Super Netball League.
To start the game the Mavericks put the pressure on early with a lot of physicality, but Mahalia Cassidy gained a few pickups which allowed the home side to get out to an early lead.
The ball movement was quick and sharp for the Lightning, with the combination between Steph Fretwell and Cara Koenen looking as sleek as ever.
The Mavericks were able to claw back their deficit after some missed shots and fumbled balls from the Lightning, but their high number of penalties seemed to hinder them.
During the first Power Five, supershot experts Fretwell and Eleanor Cardwell both had some uncharacteristic two-point-shot misses and there were no supershots scored.
It was a topsy-turvy first quarter, but the Lightning finished the period up 15-13.
In the second quarter, inaugural GIANTS player Kristiana Manu’a made her return to Suncorp Super Netball for the Mavericks following a stint in New Zealand, having been named as Lauren Moore’s permanent injury replacement player.
The Mavericks defenders put an enormous amount of pressure on the Lightning shooters, but the home side’s defenders responded with pressure of their own.
After a relatively quiet start from Courtney Bruce, she finally started to have a bit more impact in the second quarter, getting some tips and deflections as well as bringing hands-over pressure on the shot.
Ash Ervin picked up a huge intercept at a crucial point which helped stop the momentum of the Melbourne side, halting their pursuit to reduce their slight deficit.
Liz Watson was doing a huge amount of work out the front but just wasn’t getting rewarded. Meanwhile her opponent in Mavericks captain Amy Parmenter was involved in everything and constantly disrupting play.
The second Power Five period proved crucial for the scoreboard, and Cardwell and Gabby Sinclair both nailed supershots for the Mavericks while Reilley Batcheldor also sunk one for the Lightning, prohibiting the visitors from creeping closer.
The Lightning were able to extend their lead slightly, ending the first half up 33-29.
Following half time, the two teams remained goal-for-goal for the first few minutes of the third quarter.
The Mavericks maintained their pressure which forced the home side to go backwards on many of their centre passes, but despite them seeming to stay in touch with their opposition, the Lightning’s lead extended further.
Bruce picked up a crucial intercept for the Lightning and it seemed to swing the momentum into their favour. The Melbourne side promptly called a time-out to try and combat their surge of energy and flow but it didn’t sway the home side.
The Lightning certainly put their foot down in the third quarter, but the Mavericks were determined to utilise the Power Five to their advantage.
A missed supershot from Fretwell gave the Mavs possession and they made the most of it, scoring a quick goal. With their centre pass the follow, they had the opportunity to score again and Sinclair slotted in a supershot, reducing their deficit.
The Lightning were able to just hold onto their lead, finishing the third quarter up by three goals (49-46).
It was a grandstand finish in the final quarter, with the scores sitting so close it was anyone’s game.
Fretwell was calm and composed, easily slotting in goals for the Lightning, while her teammate Liz Watson was putting a lot of defensive pressure on the Mavs.
Eleanor Cardwell exited the court following an injury to her ankle, but it didn’t cause much disruption for the visitors as Shimona Jok and Sinclair carried on in the goal circle. The Melbourne team were able to get back to within one goal.
A rare mistake from Molly Jovic gave the Lightning possession but the Mavericks quickly got the ball back into their hands after a pick up from the defenders.
A turn-over on their centre pass proved detrimental to the Mavs as the home side were able to get two goals in quick succession and extend their lead back out before the final Power Five began.
It was a thrilling final five minutes, with both teams ticking away one-point goals.
The Lightning had a four-goal lead in the final three minutes and their win was all but solidified.
But Sinclair sunk two crucial Super Shots for the Mavs in the final minute and with their centre pass to follow, they slotted in the final goal and won the game by the slimmest of margins.
Mavericks midcourter Molly Jovic was named Player of the Match after she notched up 144 Nissan Net Points. During the match Molly had 25 goal assists, 36 feeds, one intercept and three deflections.
