Fresh off a huge win over the reigning premiers, the GIANTS will look to continue their winning momentum in an electric clash with the Lightning on the Sunshine Coast.
When and Where: Sunday, May 11 at 2pm at UniSC Arena.
Where to Watch: For fans residing in Australia, you can watch Sunday’s game via Foxtel, Kayo Freebies or Binge. Meanwhile, international viewers can watch the game via Netball pass. For more information click here.
Last Time They Met: Prior to the pre-season Team Girls Cup clash in March which saw the GIANTS register a thrilling one-goal win, the last official meeting between the sides saw the Lightning claim a five-goal win at UniSC Arena in round 11 last year. The GIANTS won three of the four quarters in the clash but fell short, 71-66, due to a 23-12 second quarter from the Lightning.
What it Means for the GIANTS: After an inconsistent start to the season the GIANTS will enter the Sunny Coast looking for a second straight win after their impressive 64-63 win over the Thunderbirds at Ken Rosewall Arena. Entering last week’s game viewed as underdogs by many pundits, the GIANTS used an explosive start to get out to an early lead and were composed and cool under pressure late in the game to register a statement one-goal win. The GIANTS will be hoping to use the win to kickstart the rest of their season as they look to take down the Lightning and make it back-to-back wins. Emerging midcourter Amy Sligar will once again be crucial to the GIANTS this weekend, with the 23-year-old young gun likely tasked with limiting the impact of Diamonds captain Liz Watson on Sunday after Sligar's brilliant performance matched up against Georgie Horjus in last week’s win over the Thunderbirds.
What it Means for the Opposition: On Sunday the Sunshine Coast (2-2) will be looking to bounce back from tough 68-66 loss to the Fever in Perth last week. The Lightning traded blows with the Fever for most of the night and held a five-goal lead in the third period but were ultimately overrun by the home side in a thriller. The Lightning will be hoping they can rediscover their form from the week prior on Sunday against the GIANTS, with the Sunny Coast registering a dominant 64-50 win over the Firebirds in round three. They’ll also be hoping to continue their red-hot starts this weekend at home, with the Lightning yet to lose an opening quarter for the year.
The Name: Matisse Letherbarrow - The long-bomb specialist has proven herself against the Lighting in the past and will be hoping to do so again if given the opportunity on Sunday. In last year’s round five clash between the sides, Letherbarrow entered the game in overtime where she soon became the hero after sinking several crucial super shots to lead the GIANTS to an epic victory.
The Number: 31 - that's the combined total of Suncorp Super Shots scored by Steph Fretwell and Matisse Letherbarrow so far this season. It's a figure that not only underscores their individual shooting prowess, but also their shared dominance in one of the game's most high-risk, high-reward scoring areas. Fretwell and Letherbarrow currently sit first and second in both Super Shots scored and Super Shot attempts, setting the benchmark for long-range accuracy and confidence under pressure. Whether it's the clutch moments late in quarters or the surge to secure scoreboard separation, this dynamic duo has turned the two-point arc into their personal playground.
