Appearing in their fifth Grand Final in a row – and eighth overall – defending champions Lightning showed incredible spirit, desire, and intensity, but fell agonisingly short in their pursuit of becoming the first side to win three back-to-back championship crowns.
However, there was something to celebrate with the Loughborough Lightning Under 23 team getting to lift the NSL NXT Gen trophy at half time after being crowned champions in June.
Speaking about the Grand Final result Vic Burgess, Head Coach at Loughborough Lightning, told Sky Sports: “I'm pretty devastated. Credit to Pulse, they came out and did a great job. There was always going to be a massive battle, and they came out on top. That's the nature of sport."
Lightning Captain, Nat Panagarry said: "It'll sting for a long time, but I think as you get a little bit older, you also realise that someone wins, someone loses and you’ve got to be on the back of it sometimes.
"I'm a bit disappointed with the stuff that we put out, but hopefully the fans enjoyed it and it was a good final. For me, stepping out and hearing those fans was just incredible, to say I've done that at The O2 is something that I'll never forget.”
Professor Jo Maher, Loughborough University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Sport, added: “I’m so proud of the players and staff. They are a credit to the University and the sport. I know this is not the result they wanted, but all season they have been inspirational role models – paving the way for the next generation of netball superstars and leaders.”
Loughborough Lightning’s starting 7:
GK: Alice Harvey
GD: Shadine Van Der Merwe
WD: Beth Cobden
C: Nat Panagarry
WA: Hannah Joseph
GA: Berri Neil
GS: Sammy Wallace-Joseph
For more information on Loughborough Lightning netball visit: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/sport/performance/lightning/netball/