Austin’s hot hand help Vixens chase down Lightning
Justin Chadwick |
The Melbourne Vixens have celebrated the unfurling of their premiership flag in grand style, with Kiera Austin’s Super Shot masterclass lifting them to a 70-59 win over the Sunshine Coast Lightning.
The Vixens played the opening three rounds of the Super Netball season on the road, so they used Sunday’s match at John Cain Arena to unveil last year’s premiership flag to their adoring fans.
Things weren’t going to plan for the defending champions when the Lightning shot out to a 28-21 lead in the second quarter. But momentum changed in the blink of an eye thanks to Austin’s hot hand.
She nailed seven Super Shots from eight attempts to go with her 20 regular goals to help her team run over the top of the Lightning.
Five of those Super Shots came in the first half.
“That’s why she’s one of the best goal attacks in the world,” Vixens skipper Kate Moloney told Fox Sports.
“She might have a patch when she doesn’t feel like she’s playing at her very best, but we back her to come in and be able to turn it on.
“I thought she did a great job of keeping us in it, and then having a great second half as well.”
Vixens goal shooter Sophie Garbin was also crucial with 36 goals from 37 attempts.
The Vixens (4-0) and Adelaide Thunderbirds (4-0) are the only two unbeaten teams after four rounds, with the Lightning slipping to a 2-2 record.
Lightning goal shooter Donnell Wallam hit 44 goals from 50 attempts, but was a wayward 2-of-9 when it came to the Super Shot.
The Lightning led 17-16 at quarter-time, marking the first time this season they had won an opening term.
With Wallam on fire early, the Lightning shot out to a seven-goal lead late in the second quarter.
Alarm bells were ringing for the Vixens, but some excellent long-range shooting from Austin reduced the deficit to just one goal by halftime.
With momentum on their side, the Vixens took a three-goal lead into three-quarter time, before dominating the final term 22-14.
AAP