By Charlie McKay
Sunshine Coast Lightning have secured back-to-back wins for the first time this season, taking down Melbourne Vixens 62-50 at John Cain Arena on Sunday afternoon.
The win catapults Lightning to second place, while the Vixens drop to seventh with two wins and four losses.
Lightning have a strong track record on Melbourne soil and were buoyed by a commanding Round 5 victory over the GIANTS.
The star-studded Vixens face mounting pressure after another setback in their 2025 campaign.
Last year’s grand finalists are beginning to lose touch with the ladder leaders — and with minimal changes to their roster, the reasons behind their inconsistent form remain unclear.
Lightning are dark horses in 2025.Lightning head coach Belinda Reynolds opted to start Reilley Batcheldor in goal shooter, despite Cara Koenen being in career-best form.
But Bacheldor was impressive in her 60-minute performance, shooting 48 goals at 92 per cent.
It was a tight tussle to start the match, with both teams conceding a handful of nervous turnovers.
But Lightning dominated time in possession 65 per cent to 35 per cent , starving the Vixens of opportunity and taking a 14-11 lead into quarter time.
Lightning pushed ahead in the second, lifting the intensity in defence and punishing the Vixens' turnovers.
Batcheldor was sharp, showcasing her accuracy under the post, although Lightning’s trademark ball speed was somewhat subdued in the absence of Koenen.
Vixens shooter Kiera Austin nailed a couple of super shots in the dying minutes, but it wasn't enough to close the gap.
Lightning headed into the main break leading 31-23.
Vixens head coach Simone McKinnis rolled out the changes in the third term, subbing Austin for Lily Graham and shifting Jo Weston into keeper alongside Kate Eddy in goal defence.
But the reshuffle did little to disrupt a humming Lightning outfit, who continued to put their foot down.
Lightning midcourter Leesa Mi Mi impressed in a birthday performance, utilising speed and poise to ignite the attack end.
Three super shots from Graham during the Power Five provided a much-needed spark, keeping the Vixens within striking distance.
Still, the home side entered the final break trailing 37–47.
Batcheldor proved she's a starting player.Lightning held their nerve in a swingy final term, keeping the Vixens at bay.
Steph Fretwell iced the match with a sweet super shot, capping off a clinical performance that saw Lightning win all four quarters.
Vixens head coach Simone McKinnis announced in a post-match presentation that she will be stepping away from the club at the end of the 2025 season.
McKinnis reflected on her decision to resign in the post-match press conference.
“It has been 13 years…it’s time for me to move on.”
“I love this club and I love the players…my job is to give the best I’ve got for the rest of the season.”
Skipper Kate Moloney showed gratitude to her long-time coach.
“This club is extremely privileged to have had Simone coach for so long," she said.
Vixens will regroup to take on Firebirds next week, while Lightning will go head-to-head with the Swifts in a top of the table clash on the Sunshine Coast.
