Lightning edged out by Forest infront of a packed crowd at the Motorpoint Arena

Match report |

Loughborough Lightning

62

Nottingham Forest

66

Players from Lightning and Forest, compete near the goalpost during a game. A player in red (Goal Shooter) prepares to shoot while a tall defender in purple (Goal Keeper) jumps to block the shot. Other players are positioned around the shooting circle, watching the play. The court branding and a digital screen in the background display

Image by Ben Lumley

Despite a thrilling final quarter push, Lightning were ultimately defeated 62-66 in the second East Midlands derby of the season.

Forest started fast, forcing Lightning to play from behind early on. Sharp super shots kept Lightning in touch, trailing by only a few at the first break.

Despite an early turnover in the second quarter, errors allowed Forest to extend their lead by halftime. Lightning responded with energy in the third, as Alice Harvey led from the back and the shooting duo of Wallace-Joseph and Neil closed the gap.

The third quarter brought renewed energy. Alice Harvey was bright in defence, while Sammy Wallace-Joseph and Berri Neil delivered crucial Super Shots to close the gap heading into the final 15 minutes.

Lightning battled hard in a tense final quarter, with Harvey producing key interceptions to shift momentum. Her standout performance earned her the Fan’s LTS Player of the Match. Despite a spirited finish, Lightning were narrowly edged out by just four goals.

After the match, Vic Burgess told Sky Sports, “We made too many errors today and we know that. Defensively, there was some great work, especially in the Super Shot time, but we just need to make sure that we make use of our possession and get a shooting opportunity.”

Lightning will look to make amends as they head back to Sir David Wallace Arena for the final home game of the regular season against the London Mavericks on Friday 6th June as the battle for the play-off positions heats up.

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