By Charlie McKay
Sunshine Coast Lightning have made it two from two against the Melbourne Mavericks in 2025, holding off a surging final-quarter comeback to claim a 67-60 win at UniSC Arena.
The victory lifts Lightning back into second spot in a tightly contested top four, while the Mavericks remain sixth with just two wins to their name.
Lightning struck early in the match, smothering the Mavericks in defence to race to a 7-2 lead.
But the Mavericks went on a run after a timely tactical break, erasing the deficit and applying pressure mid-way through the opening term.
Courtney Bruce and Tara Hinchliffe led a defensive resurgence for Lightning, combining for three intercepts and two deflections in the first quarter alone.
A pair of super shots from Steph Fretwell helped Lightning restore control, and they headed into quarter time with an 18-13 lead.
Lightning boast the league’s most dynamic attack in 2025After a blistering start, Bruce suffered an ankle injury early in the second term but promptly re-entered the game with heavy strapping.
Lightning built momentum and showed their intent to punish in the Power Five, with Fretwell draining all five attempts from distance in the first half.
Mavericks stayed in the contest, but with just one gain across two quarters, they needed to lift defensively to close the gap.
Lightning won the game in the third quarter.
Blistering ball speed and relentless defensive pressure saw the home side dominate the term 19–11, leaving the Mavericks chasing.
Mahalia Cassidy proved an unsung hero for Lightning in wing defence, racking up two gains and two intercepts in a commanding effort.
But Mavericks refused to go down without a fight.
Bruce, Hinchcliffe and Ash Ervin are all fighting for Diamonds selectionMavericks stormed out of the gates in the final term, catching the Lightning flat-footed and racing to a 10-4 quarter lead.
Lightning appeared unsettled for the first time all night, coughing up easy turnovers as the momentum swung.
Mavericks whittled down the 18-goal deficit to just seven mid-way through the fourth, with Palavi and Shimona Jok threatening with a flurry of super shots.
But time proved the enemy for the Mavericks, and Lightning held their nerve to seal a hard-fought victory.
Lightning will take on a struggling Firebirds next week, while Mavericks return to Melbourne for a derby clash against the Vixens.
