The Melbourne Vixens stormed to a defiant victory over the Sunshine Coast Lightning, taking down the second placed team 70-59 to confirm their position as competition leaders.
Ex-Vixen, Geva Menton, gave an early indication of the physicality of the match, throwing her body on the line from the first centre pass.
As the Vixens settled into the match, their cohesive teamwork began to shine through as Captain Kate Moloney, alongside attacker Liz Watson, fed the ball flawlessly to their shooters.
Tegan Philip led from the front, while a combined Emily Mannix and Jo Weston effort on a defensive rebound, gave the Vixens the momentum they needed to head into the first break with a six point lead.
Lightning made their first of many team changes at the quarter time break, however, it failed to make any difference as the Vixens hit their stride early in the second quarter.
Lightning shooter, Caitlin Bassett, showed off some impressive attacking skills, demonstrating exactly why she is one of the best shooters in the league as momentum began to swing back toward the visitors.
Lightning came out of the half time break ready to strike, narrowing the lead to five points at one stage. Lightening continued to change positions and players and try everything in their repertoire to rattle the Vixens, however,the Vixens remained unfazed, with their accurate shooting keeping them in front heading into the final break.
The final quarter saw the Vixens dominate, with the Melbourne side stretching their lead further and further in front. Chloe Watson turned on the defensive pressure in the final quarter, forcing errors from the Lightening of which the Vixens were more than ready take advantage.
Mwai Kumwenda had another standout performance with her impressive aerial skills and on-point shooting securing her third MVP award in a row. Kumwenda maintained 100% shooting accuracy throughout the match, making it clear that not even the physicality of Lightning keeper, Geva Mentor, could phase her.
The Vixens took out the match 70-59 confirming them as the competition leaders of the Suncorp Super Netball, heading into Round 11. This Saturday, the Vixens will take on The Queensland Firebirds at Hisense Arena.
