Q1 Fever 16 | Lightning 18
The Lightning came out firing in the first quarter and controlled the beginning of the game, very aware of their season on the line.
Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard kickstarted Fever’s rhythm, working her way around former teammate Courtney Bruce for her 16 goals for the quarter.
Kadie-Ann Dehaney elevated her game for finals with two defensive rebounds, an intercept and a deflection for the quarter.
Q2 Fever 36 | Lightning 35
Kelsey Browne made her entrance in the second quarter, joining Alice Teague-Neeld and captain Jess Anstiss in the mid-court. The trio’s ability to produce momentum down the court was crucial for a shift in the game.
Shanice Beckford proved the nerves of her first Suncorp Super Netball finals series were no match for her skill. Beckford put the crowd on their feet with her two goals and a super shot.
Two minutes remained in the first half when the squad took their first lead of the game, secured further by Fowler-Nembhard’s goal after the siren to an electric crowd.
Q3 Fever 54 | Lightning 47
Fowler-Nembhard knew she had to widen their winning margin in the second half, opening the quarter with three straight goals.
Defence was crucial in the third quarter and Fever’s trio of Dehaney, Williams and Aryang did not disappoint. Their wall of defence caused plenty of problems for Lightning’s captain Steph Fretwell and Riley Batcheldor in goals.
With just enough pressure from Fever, Lightning produced another held ball call and further shifting control to the girls in green for the final quarter.
Q4 Fever 54 | Lightning 47
Teague-Neeld capped off a dominant game with 43 feeds and 25 goal assists, heavily contributing to the side’s strength in the second half.
Fowler-Nembhard’s performance was stunning with 67 goals, propelling her side into the preliminary final.
In their last opportunity to cheer their heroes on this season, the Green Army truly became the eighth player Fever needed in the key moments.
Fever’s next step in their finals campaign will be against the Melbourne Vixens in the Preliminary Final at John Cain Arena on Saturday 27 July at 3pm WST.
