VNL: Lightning strikes back

VU WESTERN Lightning bounced back from a disappointing loss last week to account easily for UB Ballarat Pride 49-34 on Wednesday night.

Lightning was thrashed by City West Falcons last week but came out a different side this week.

Starting the better of the sides, Lightning got out to an early lead thanks to Melissa McCauley’s eight goals for the term.

In the second term, the Pride hit back after making some positional changes and outscored Lightning 12-10, but was still six goals down.

The third term saw both teams struggle to make an impact on the scoreboard, with both defences taking control.

Lightning was able to extend its lead with a 9-5 term, leading by 10 goals.

Following on from her good start, McCauley made her presence felt in the last term shooting 14-of-16 for the quarter.

She ended up with 33 goals from 41 attempts for the game, shooting of 80 per cent accuracy. All the other shooters were below 70 per cent.

Captain Brooke Thompson was best on court.

The City West Falcons also had a good win against the North East Blaze, keeping them on top of the ladder.

The Falcons put in a dominant display winning all four quarters easily, 58- 37.

The defence set up the win, with defenders Kate Moloney, Peta Fay and Casey Price named best on court.

Kathleen Knott continued her good form, scoring 34 goals from 40 attempts.