A close first quarter saw both teams exchange turnovers, with Lightning edging ahead by one. Sammy impressed with sharp movement in tight spaces. The second quarter brought greater control, as Lightning capitalised on turnovers and Super Shots to take a 35–27 lead into halftime.
Tactical changes at the break including Bella Baylis at Centre and Ella Clark at Goal Shooter boosted Lightning’s intensity. Jodie Gibson made an immediate impact on defence, helping the home side stretch their lead to 54–39 by the end of the third quarter.
Despite a strong Rhinos start to the final quarter, Lightning regrouped with a timeout. Shadine Van Der Merwe returned to reinforce the defence, while Clark and Berri Neil connected fluently in attack.
Berri Neil had an excellent game and was named the Fan’s Long Tall Sally Player of the Game as well as the Experience Kissimmee Player of the Match, both for the first time.
Final Score: Loughborough Lightning 71 – 59 Leeds Rhinos
Lightning now prepare for two crucial away games against London Pulse and Cardiff Dragons, before returning to the Motorpoint Arena on 31st May for the second East Midlands derby of the season.