By Charlie McKay
NSW Swifts further stamp their authority in 2025, withstanding a huge fightback from Sunshine Coast Lightning to emerge 70-62 victors in a top of the table clash at UniSC Arena.
Lightning have impressed in 2025 but continue to struggle against top teams, having won only two of the last 18 games against top four teams under coach Belinda Reynolds.
The opening match of First Nations Round also marked a major milestone for Lightning stalwart and inaugural signing Steph Fretwell, who notched up her 150th national league appearance.
Swifts led by 18 goals before a Lightning come backReilley Batcheldor earned the start at goal shooter following her standout 60-minute performance in Round 6.
But Lightning’s attacking speed was stifled by a formidable Swifts defence end, while a string of turnovers gave the visitors an early five-goal buffer.
A Batcheldor super shot helped recoup the deficit, but Helen Housby quickly responded for the Swifts at the other end.
Swifts took a 17-13 lead into quarter time, ending Lightning’s perfect first-quarter record for 2025.
Lightning found plenty of ball in the second but struggled to capitalise, squandering opportunities to narrow the margin.
A chance to close the gap to just two slipped away as gained ball went unconverted.
Cara Koenen entered the game and made immediate impact, challenging Swifts’ defenders with clever baseline movements and reigniting Lightning’s trademark ball speed.
The intensity lifted, with physical battles breaking out across the whole court.
Swifts spearhead Grace Nweke appeared rattled by close attention from Courtney Bruce, while the home crowed roared to life, urging Lightning to stay in the contest.
Housby remained a threat in the Power Five, nailing four super shots in the opening half to keep the Swifts in control. They headed into the main break with a 34–29 lead.
Fans were treated to a high-intensity battleSwifts won the game in the premiership quarter, taking it 19-11.
Their midcourt was sharp and composed, with Housby continuing to dictate play in attack, effortlessly feeding Nweke under the post.
Lightning were forced into errors in the pursuit of super shots, and Swifts punished every turnover.
The away team took a commanding 53-40 lead into the final break.
Swifts continued to dominate in the final term, unravelling their opponents to break out into a game-high 18-goal lead.
But Lightning refused to give up.
They clawed back the deficit with six consecutive super shots late in the term - three each from Koenen and Fretwell.
The crowd found their voice and, remarkably, Lightning had an opportunity to close the gap to just four goals.
But the Swifts held their nerve, closing out the game 70-62.
Lightning were undone by a high count of unforced errors and general play turnovers, while the Swifts executed a clinical game plan to stay in control throughout.
Lightning will look to regroup ahead of next week's battle against the Mavericks, while the Swifts return to Sydney to take on arch rivals Thunderbirds.
