Storm play with pride until the the final buzzer but fall behind to a dominating Lightening side 28 – 53
After yesterday’s well fought battle with Strathclyde Sirens, Storm were back on the court with an even bigger task facing up to a top tier Loughborough Lightening squad.
Storm’s leader Mikki Austin’s post-game interview highlighted it would be a difficult match up against a tried and tested Lightening team. “But what better way to test our strength of character against one of the best this league has to offer”.
Lightening wasted no time displaying why they sit only a few points shy from top of the table. They started with high intensity and found VNSL top scorer Mary Cholhok early in the first quarter.
Storm were able to settle and find their feet with Alima Priest protecting our goal at all costs ending the quarter 16 – 7 in favour of Lightening.
Emma Magee exited early after an impact injury which saw the Goal Attack head to the locker room where she did not return to play.
Ellie Kelk and Nicole Humphrys entered the game in the 2nd with some fresh leg’s but Loughborough continued their form from the first quarter rounding off the first half with a convincing 30-13 lead.
The Storm started the second half with a different 7 including Frankie Wells and Felisitus Kwangwa. Non stop effort from this pair making their presence and impact felt on the court, though the gap remained as Loughborough closed the 3rd quarter 42-21
The game may have been out of reach, but Storm showed resilience and strong performances from the bench and fought all the way until the end. Final score 53 – 28.
Alima Priest was relentless all night, putting in a shift against the leagues top scorer seeing her walk away with Player of The Match.
Storm will be back on the court next Sunday 4pm at the Copper Box where they will face top of the table Team Bath.
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