George Inger wasted no time getting Mavericks on the board, opening the scoring in what quickly became a lively contest. Inger and Samantha Wallace-Joseph went goal-for-goal early on, setting the tone in the shooting circle, while a stunning over-the-top feed from Suzie Liverseidge showcased Mavericks’ attacking intent. Locked at 5-5 after five minutes, the game was finely poised—but Lightning soon found their rhythm, pulling away to lead 17-12 at the end of the first quarter after a strong finish, including a decisive super shot period.
Changes came early in Q2, with Neve Wright introduced and Izzi Phillips shifting into centre. Lightning started fast again, forcing an early Mavericks timeout. Despite the pressure from Lightning’s defensive unit, Inger continued to find space and keep the scoreboard ticking. A flying deflection from Jamie-Lee Price Golob injected energy, while Thacker showed confidence from range to keep Mavericks within touching distance. Phillips began to dictate play through the middle, linking defence to attack effectively, but Lightning maintained their advantage, heading into the break 33-26 up.
The third quarter saw Mavericks battling hard to close the gap, though Lightning again edged the opening exchanges. A crucial turnover midway through the quarter shifted momentum, followed by a loose centre pass from Nat Panagarry that Mavericks capitalised on. Thacker made the most of the opportunity, including back-to-back super shots that briefly cut the deficit. However, Lightning responded with authority, converting consistently to stretch their lead to 53-42 heading into the final quarter. Defensive efforts from Thacker and Golob, who combined for six deflections by this stage, kept Mavericks in the fight.
In the final quarter, Phillips continued to push relentlessly, producing a standout intercept to try and spark a comeback. Amelia Hall was introduced to freshen up the attack and made an immediate impact, helping Mavericks reach the 50-goal mark. But Lightning’s control never wavered, as they managed the closing stages with composure to secure a 73-56 victory.