The game began with Cholhok putting the first point on the scoreboard, with another conversion from Clark shortly after. Down the other end of the court, Smith and Harvey worked hard to disrupt Stars who kept hot on their tail through the talents of shooter Sigi Burger. Any attempts made by Lightning to pull ahead were challenged by Stars as they never allowed more than a four-point lead.
A quick drive from Captain Panagarry saw the ball fly into the shooting circle as Cobden supported from the centre third. Meanwhile for Stars, Burger went on to put up back-to-back shots to keep the score line tight. However, this didn’t stop Lightning with Cholhok converting with only five seconds left on the clock.
The second quarter saw Stars start on the right foot, bringing the score level. This only spurred on a determined Lightning side with some great teamwork in the attacking third. Joseph makes a feint to work the edge of the shooting circle, getting the ball into Clark for another conversion.
Defensively, Lightning worked vigorously to disrupt Stars. Beth Cobden shadowed her player well, disrupting the flow of the game throughout the quarter and giving Stars less options. With the final point of the quarter going to Stars, they kept within two of Lightning.
Half-time: Severn Stars 30 – 32 Loughborough Lightning
Quarter three opened with a sharp drive from Joseph to receive the centre pass from Panagarry. This is where Lightning really started to find their stride and dominate the court. A quick one-two between Joseph and Clark led to another conversion. Soon after with Stars in possession, Clark made a deflection which was swiftly picked up by Cholhok.
The first substitution for Lightning came next with Roddy replacing Smith at GD. Putting her stamp on the court straight away, Roddy forces the ball off court to disrupt Stars. A strong pass from Panagarry set up Clark for yet another conversion, giving Lightning a ten-point lead.
The final quarter began with a quick point for both teams before a long shot from Clark. With more changes underway, Dixon replaced Clark at GA, whilst Baylis took over from Panagarry at C. Lightning force a held ball in the defending third with some great pressure from Roddy and Harvey.
Roddy showed her communication on court with a reset at the third line which allowed for another conversion. Next, Dixon moved rapidly to get under the post for a shot after a series of great plays. McCall then entered the court at GA with Dixon switching to WA. Popoola replaced Cobden as WD. A quick interception from Baylis put Lightning back in possession just before the final whistle.
Full-time: Severn Stars 52 – 68 Loughborough Lightning
After an entertaining game, Lightning head coach Vic Burgess commented on the team’s performance...
“The girls played really well, both attack and defence. Our structures were really good today and we stuck to it for the whole 60-minutes.
“Stars gave us a good contest, the girls worked hard and kept at it. There’ll be a few things to take away and work at over the next week, but I’m really pleased with our performance.”
Player of the Match was awarded to Beth Cobden after a strong and consistent performance.
Lightning will face Saracens Mavericks in their next home game on Friday the 19 April. If you can’t make it to the game, don’t worry you can catch the action on BBC Sport. Tickets to Lightning’s 2024 home campaign are on sale now and can be purchased here.
Starting line-up:
GS: Mary Cholhok
GA: Ella Clark
WA: Hannah Joseph
C: Nat Panagarry
WD: Beth Cobden
GD: Nicola Smith
GK: Alice Harvey