First home game produces first win for Lightning

The Sunshine Coast Lightning have made history by notching their first Suncorp Super Netball win as they christened their new home venue in style at the USC Sports Stadium on Sunday.

The region’s first elite national league sporting team were cheered by a vocal home crowd throughout their 58-52 win against the Melbourne Vixens.

It was a day to remember for former Vixen Kelsey Browne who combined with Silver Ferns champion Laura Langman and Diamonds star Caitlin Bassett to sink Melbourne in a mighty second half effort.

There was no doubting Browne’s contribution was a match-turning one for the Lightning.

Bassett was a rock for the expansion club, and, based on the capacity 2003 crowd, the side’s enthusiastic fanbase already appreciate her accuracy and four-quarter consistency.

The Diamonds sharp shooter finished with a game-high 50 goals at 94%.

Sunshine Coast is now undefeated from its first two outings, recording a draw in Round 1.

Goal attack Cara Koenen chose her second game for the club to make an impact, with her third term sparking the momentum for the home side to lead by nine goals at on point.

Her partnership with Bassett grew stronger by the minute as she poured in six assists from 13 feeds for the quarter.

Sunshine Coast led by six goals at the final change and had to endure some anxious moments as Melbourne threw everything at them over the final minutes.

- For more go to www.sunshinecoastlightning.com.au

Photo: Getty Images