The Melbourne Mavericks went down by 10 goals to Sunshine Coast Lightning (59-69) in Round 1 of the Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) season at John Cain Arena last night.
The stage was set with Australian icon Delta Goodrem performing her 2002 hit single, ‘Born to Try’, with the words were embodied in a competitive contest between the two teams.
Key highlights for the Mavs were the long-awaited debuts of Sasha Glasgow and Uneeq Palavi.
Q1: Mavericks 15 – 16 Lightning
There was a roar of excitement from the crowd heading into the first quarter with Glasgow stepping out in the GA bib for the Mavs for the first time. Tayla Fraser faced off against former teammate Kristiana Manu’a – now in Lightning colours – in WA and WD respectively, setting the tone for a competitive match. During the power five, Olivia Lewis had a huge rejection on Lightning captain, Steph Fretwell, setting Glasgow up to score the first super-shot of the game.
Q2: Mavericks 29 – 34 Lightning
Fraser and Manu’a continued their rivalry, with Fraser making strong moves to feed from circle edge. Captain Amy Parmenter took a timely intercept bringing the Mavs to a one-goal lead. Being a key component in aiming to shut down Australian Diamonds captain Liz Watson in her 150th national league game, Maisie Nankivell showed her strong defensive efforts claiming a skillful intercept in a head-to-head game.
The Mavs’ goaling circle saw fresh faces with Palavi entering at GA, pushing Glasgow to GS. Palavi’s presence was felt quickly, sinking her first super-shot of the game just before the main break.
Q3: Mavericks 44 – 52 Lightning
With time in possession being 50% each at half time, the Mavericks came out firing. Vice-captain Molly Jovic entered the court in C, with Parmenter moving to WD and Nankivell shifting to WA. Lewis continued her dominant performance in GK, having an intercept early in the term. Jovic made an instant impact, showcasing her connection with Shimona Jok, delivering sharp feeds into the circle.
It turned into a shootout of super-shots, with Palavi returning to the court having immediate effect scoring two within 30 seconds. Fretwell and Reilley Batcheldor responded for the Lightning to keep them narrowly in front. The Mavs finished the quarter with a leading play from Parmenter gaining an intercept in the centre third to set up another two-point shot from Glasgow.
Q4: Mavericks 59 – 69 Lightning
The Mavs did not back down in the final quarter. Fraser moved into C and Glasgow made a statement with an early intercept. Shifting the momentum, Kim Brown followed up with a rebound and Parmenter secured another intercept, bringing the margin back to 5.
Brown made a key play in the final five minutes, picking off an intercept in Lightning's goal circle to set up Palavi for yet another super-shot. Despite the Mavericks pressure, Lightning's speed and agility around the ball in their attack end was not easy to contain, which ended up being a key aspect into their win.
Mavs Head Coach, Tracey Neville, shared her thoughts on the match post-game, acknowledging Lightning’s clinical performance.
“Your luck runs out sometimes, and I think we’ve had two lucky games against the Sunshine Coast Lightning," she said, speaking of her side's previously unbeaten record against the franchise. "We knew tonight they were going to come out hard and they were very clinical.”
Although not the performance they were after in Round 1, Neville spoke highly of the two debutants and the impact Glasgow had on the team.
“I think [Glasgow] shone a light on the whole team and they were absolutely behind her. There was some confidence there and experience in that last quarter that was really needed to support Uneeq in that circle.”
“She’s challenging for a spot, and I’m really pleased about how [Palavi] is growing as a player,” Neville continued.
The Mavericks will be back in action next weekend for their first away game of the season against the NSW Swifts at Ken Rosewall Arena, 7pm on Saturday 12 April. Catch the action live on Kayo, Foxtel or Binge.
