Loughborough Lightning beat Team Bath in Vitality Superleague
Monday 17 April 2017 18:42, UK
Loughborough Lightning maintained their perfect start to the Vitality Superleague season with a hard-fought 49-40 victory over Team Bath.
Karen Atkinson's team are yet to drop points this season as victory over Bath made it 10 wins from their opening 10 games and maintained their position at the top of the table.
However they were made to work hard by a Bath side who headed into the game in equal need of the victory as they sought three points and an end to a run of three successive defeats.
But it was the hosts who prevailed, once again the Lightning defence laying the ground for a victory which saw Vicky Oyesola named Player of the Match.
A blistering start from both defences Northumbria edge in front before Lightning came good to lead by three goals after the opening quarter.
With the teams trading goals early in the second quarter, it fell to Lightning attacking pair Vanessa Walker and Peace Proscovia to open up the lead as the pair began to find their range and help the hosts open up a 24-15 lead by half-time.
With both teams playing their second game of the Easter weekend, there was plenty of effort and defences continued to hold the advantage forcing plenty of turnover ball,
Chelsea Lewis impressed under the posts for the visitors but it was Lightning who were able to make their possession count, stretched their advantage to 11 midway through the third quarter.
Bath rallied to close the gap to eight going into the final quarter and with Oyesola marshalling the defence they were able to run out winners by nine goals, much to the delight of head coach Atkinson
In Monday's other early action Surrey Storm got the better of Team Northumbria, but they needed a thrilling third quarter turnaround before eventually prevailing 65-56.
Victory for Tania Hoffman's team means they have ended a run of three successive defeats but a Northumbria side with just one win to their name this season made the defending champions fight all the way for it.
Having led after the first quarter Surrey then saw their opponents rally to turn a four-goal deficit into a one-goal advantage before Storm drew level at 30-all at half-time.
Northumbria then charged into a four-goal lead of their own before Storm ignited their challenge. Trailing 38-34 the hosts went on a 14-5 run that proved to be decisive.
Leading 48-43 at the end of the third quarter, Storm closed out the game despite Northumbria's gallant attempts, at one point closing to within three goals before the hosts ran out winners.
You can follow the next instalment of Vitality Superleague action next Monday when Severn Stars host Surrey Storm on Sky Sports Mix from 7.15pm
