Swifts stunned by Lightning

By Caitlin Greenwood
 

The Sunshine Coast Lightning have pulled off a dramatic one-point win over the NSW Swifts, with Steph Fretwell’s last-second super shot sealing a thrilling finish in front of a packed Ken Rosewell Arena. 
 
The opening quarter was a messy arm wrestle, with both sides struggling to find rhythm early.

Despite taking just 15 seconds to register the first goal, through the hands of Grace Nweke, turnovers plagued both teams.

The Swifts managed to edge ahead 5-1, prompting an early tactical timeout from Lightning, where Belinda Reynolds instructed her side to apply more pressure on Nweke in the circle. 

While the Swifts held the upper hand early, their execution was inconsistent, and the Lightning clawed their way back into the contest, narrowing the margin to three with eight minutes remaining.

Nweke appeared unsettled at times, checking in with the sideline, as Lightning began to work their way into the match. 

The momentum swung back the Swifts’ way late in the quarter, thanks to a commanding super shot from Helen Housby, who was back to her clinical and roaring best.

A sharp intercept from Sharni Lambden set up a buzzer-beating two-point finish from Housby, extending the Swifts’ lead to 19-13 at quarter time. 

In the second quarter, the Swifts’ attack end showed more cohesion than in recent outings, with smoother connections and stronger finishing.

Sarah Klau continued her battle with returning Origin Diamonds shooter Cara Koenen, putting in a tireless defensive effort despite conceding a few costly penalties. 

Lightning capitalised on those, with Koenen and Steph Fretwell working well in the circle, and Ashleigh Ervin contributing with a key rebound that brought the margin to just two. 
  
The visitor’s defensive structure also began to take effect, slowing the Swifts' ball movement and winning the quarter to take momentum into the break. 

In a surprise move from Swifts, captain Paige Hadley was sent to the bench due to load management and replaced by Grace Whyte to start the third.

Lightning capitalised early, levelling the scores before Grace Nweke responded to edge the home side back in front. 

Lambden was industrious on the wing, working hard to support the defensive duo of Klau and Maddy Turner, though Turner remained quiet by her usual standards. 

Both sides traded blows with neither able to build a meaningful buffer.

The visitors briefly took the lead for the first time in the match, only for Klau to produce a crucial tip, allowing Nweke to restore the Swifts’ advantage. 

The return of Koenen continued to bolster Lightning’s attacking threat, while the home side welcomed debutant Freddie Schneideman, who was introduced for Lambden during the Power Five. 

Klau remained a standout in defence, consistently disrupting Lightning’s feeds, but Steph Fretwell proved clutch late in the quarter, landing back-to-back super shots to tie the scores at 53–all heading into a thrilling final term. 

It was a nail-biting, goal-for-goal affair as both sides pushed for momentum heading into finals.

With the minor premiership still within reach, the Swifts threw everything at the contest, but Lightning matched them at every turn. 

Ash Ervin stood tall in defence for the visitors, while Verity Simmons brought energy and disruption through the midcourt, making life difficult for the Lightning.  

With scores locked heading into the Power Five, all eyes turned to Helen Housby, who was yet to land a goal in the final term.

The Swifts needed their sharp-shooter to fire, but it wasn’t to be. 

A critical turnover came the Swifts’ way after Koenen dragged her foot on the baseline, and the home side edged ahead.  

But Lightning held composure, and with just two seconds remaining, Steph Fretwell nailed a clutch super shot to snatch a thrilling 71-70 win on the road. 

After the match Swifts head coach Briony Akle expressed how she felt by the one-goal loss.

"I'm really happy with our form and what we did today considering our form hasn't been the greatest the last few weeks," she said.

"It's such a positive thing to turn up and stick to the game plan for 60 minutes.

"And credit to Lightning they stuck it to us for a whole 60 minutes and to get that goal away was just unlucky for us."