VU-Western Lightning went down to Boroondara Genesis in a Victorian Netball League championship division shock at State Netball and Hockey Centre on Wednesday night.
Lightning was dislodged from the top of the ladder as a result of the loss, its third of the season.
Three teams – the Lightning, new ladder leader Peninsula Waves and City West Falcons – are pushing strongly for a top-two finish and the double chance.
The Lightning was expected to take care of Genesis, but a poor second quarter had them on the back foot and they never recovered.
Errant shooting cost them dearly, with the three goalers combining for 68 per cent.
Sophie Gunn was the most reliable, landing 19 goals from her 24 shots.
Erin McCarthy (8 from 13) and Megan Fitzpatrick (9 from 16) were well down on their usual output.
With just five home-and-away rounds left, every match is crucial in the jostling for top four positions.
The Lightning should bounce back against winless Geelong Cougars in the 14th round, while City West Falcons take a three-game winning streak into their clash with Yarra Valley Grammar Ariels.
