By Charlie McKay
The Melbourne Vixens have continued their late-season surge, stealing a crucial 68-65 win against Sunshine Coast Lightning in a high-stakes clash at UniSC Arena on Saturday evening.
The result lifts the Vixens into third on the ladder, edging the Lightning down to fourth in a finals race that’s growing tighter by the week.
Lightning star Cara Koenen was ruled out late with an ankle injury, handing the goal shooter bib to Reilley Batcheldor, who played a full game in their win against the Vixens in Round 6.
Dynamic Vixens midcourter Hannah Mundy was also ruled out during the week, with Zara Walters stepping into wing attack.
The opening term was a patient, goal-for-goal tussle as both sides converted their centre passes with composure.
Lightning attacked the super shot early, with Batcheldor and Steph Fretwell combining for three two-pointers between them.
Kiera Austin returned fire for the Vixens, but it was the home side who took a 20-16 advantage into quarter time.
Kiera Austin was MVP with 23 goals and 123 Net Points But the Vixens wrestled back control in the second quarter.
They burst out of the blocks, surging to a 7–2 run as they pounced on a flurry of costly Lightning turnovers.
Lightning looked flat in defence and hesitant on the feed to Batcheldor, struggling to find rhythm.
Vixens punished, doubling Lightning’s score in the second term and taking a 37-31 lead into half time.
Lightning continued to struggle in the third, despite a positional switch between Fretwell and Batcheldor.
Vixens refused to relinquish control, showcasing the maturity and experience that took them to last year’s grand final.
They took the third quarter 17-13, setting the stage for a strong finish.
In what has become a pattern in 2025, Lightning mounted a comeback in the fourth quarter.
The intensity lifted as the home side utilised the super shot to claw back the deficit.
They won the term 21-14, but ultimately, time wasn't on their side.
They'll take on a red hot Fever outfit next week at home, while the Vixens return to Melbourne to battle the Thunderbirds.
