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The Australian
05-07-2025
- Sport
- The Australian
Super Netball round 13 results: NSW Swifts vs Sunshine Coast Lightning
Sunshine Coast Lightning have overcome a dismal start and dogged NSW Swifts pressure to claim a 71-70 victory and keep their Super Netball season alive. Trailing with just seconds on the clock, captain Steph Fretwell sunk a long range shot to put her side in front and keep them in the hunt for a top-four finish, but they'll have to anxiously await the outcomes of other Round 13 games. 'The biggest thing for us is that we want to be brave and we want to have courage and that is something that this season we have shied away from. But that was a do-or-die moment for us and if it didn't come off and we had a one goal loss, at least we didn't walk off court and wonder what would've been,' Fretwell said. It's a tough state of affairs for the Swifts who, earlier in the season, looked unbeatable but have shown chinks in their armour after dropping four of their last five games. Given the loss, they'll stay in second place on the ladder, and are unlikely to reclaim the minor premiership or home final. The lead changed throughout the match and the physicality amped up, such was the desperation by both teams for the win. Bodies were hitting the floor as both teams battled the nerves, the crowd and each other. In the end, it was Fretwell's cool head who nailed a supershot to secure the win. The Swifts skipped out to an early lead with Sarah Klau wasting no time getting a positive stat on the board by collecting her first intercept at the two-minute mark. It was national teammate versus national teammate as she matched-up on Lighting's Cara Koenen, who made her return after spending two weeks resting a foot strain. Koenen eventually got the wood over Klau, taking MVP honours along the way, as she nailed 48 from 57 including one super shot. Steph Fretwell drained the decisive shot. With Lightning's Courtney Bruce out due to a leg injury, the pressure was on young gun Ash Ervin to contain the Swifts' formidable goal shooter, Grace Nweke, who finished the match with 58 from 65 at 89 per cent but was shooting as low as 63 per cent at one point in the game. The Swifts were forced to bench captain Paige Hadley at halftime due to load management. One of the in form midcourters of the competition, Hadley was spotted wearing a moon boot at the airport last week and with the team guaranteed a finals spot, they didn't want to risk a more permanent injury by allowing her to play increased minutes too early. Post match, Hadley said that had she been on court in those final 30 seconds, she would have encouraged her team to play around the ball a bit more before taking a shot. 'We will have to go back and look at it. Swifts of old used to hold the ball for longer [than 30 seconds] at times. We will have to go back and have a look at it. But I think we just weren't on the same page and we were thinking more about getting the goal in and then applying pressure on defence,' Swifts goal attack Helen Housby said. Paige Hadley needed to be managed by the Swifts. Goal attack Helen Housby started the match well but as she has done over the last few rounds faded away as the match, and physicality, wore on. Housby was not the only one coping knocks with the umpires ordering both sides to tidy up and, at one point, telling Lightnings' wing defence Mahalia Cassidy and Swifts wing attack Grace Whyte, to 'knock it off' as they got caught up in overly physical play. DIAMONDS DILEMMA The Diamonds squad is expected to be announced within the next two weeks. Out of this game, it is safe to say that at least five players will get another call-up with a further two (at least) likely on the invite list. The timing of Teigan O'Shannassy's lower back injury — which kept her out of today's match — could not be worse with many predicting she would receive her maiden invite. She will be hoping that consistent form, and existing connection with Diamonds' Sarah Klau and Paige Hadley, is enough for selectors to take a chance on her. DOMINANT THUNDERBIRDS STAY IN FINALS MIX — Georgia Doyle Inspired by MVP Latanya Wilson's dominant defensive performance, Adelaide Thunderbirds have kept their Super Netball finals hopes alive with a comfortable 60-49 win over the Melbourne Mavericks. Known as Tarntanya Karntu for First Nations Round, Adelaide's 11-goal victory sets up an enthralling last game against Sunshine Coast Lightning next week. The winner of that match will earn themselves a finals berth. A brief third-quarter resurgence from the Mavericks had Karntu coach Tania Obst visibly frustrated, slamming her notebook to the floor as her team made a raft of uncharacteristic errors that saw the lead begin to narrow. However, the Mavericks continued to be plagued by inconsistency and they were left with a margin too big to overcome in the last term despite a last ditch super shot effort from Uneeq Palavi. Shimona Jok of the Mavericks competes with Latanya Wilson. Despite missing finals, Mavericks captain Amy Parmenter has been vocal about wanting to mess with the placement of the top four. However, her side had limited impact against Karntu, who piled on the pressure from the opening whistle. Wilson was at her best for Karntu, matching up against fellow Jamaican Shimona Jok. Finishing with a record equalling nine intercepts as part of her 12 gains, plus nine deflections, Wilson caused mass confusion for the Mavericks' attackers, forcing Jok to continually reposition to take the ball safely. Georgie Horjus played a key role after being forced from the field with injury. Reigning league MVP Georgie Horjus was forced from the court early with a thumb injury and was seen in tears on the sideline getting close attention from medical staff. She re-entered the court in the second quarter, and was key to Karntu pushing out their lead as the game progressed with 10 goal assists and only one turnover. Lauren Parkinson, nee Moore, saw her first minutes for the Mavericks after she was signed for their inaugural 2024 season but ruptured her ACL before taking to the court. The defender played 16 minutes, and contributed one gain to the stat sheet. Speaking to broadcast, after over 700 days on the sideline she said 'I feel elated. I have been on cloud nine all day. It is a very surreal moment to be here. I think I just really want to enjoy my netball. I am here for a reason and that's because I love it. And if I only have one more for this season I am going to take it with two hands and play for everyone that has got me here today.' Tayla Fraser was a strong performer for the Mavericks, one of the few players with the patience to work the ball to the circle edge to find Jok. Despite some time on the bench she finished with 10 goal assists and 18 centre pass receives. CAPTAIN FANTASTIC Melbourne Mavericks' inaugural captain Amy Parmenter has officially put pen to paper for 2026, joining defender Kim Brown as the only two players signed to the club for next season. After two seasons where the team has failed to reach finals, despite a raft of international talent, there will need to be a few changes to their roster if they are to contest their first finals campaign. UNLUCKY LUCY Karntu shooter Lucy Austin has only taken the court for 26 minutes so far this season, despite being an invitee to Australian Diamonds camp in 2025. Standing at 190cm, and with the ability to hold, move and shoot from range, she would be considered hot property to most netball teams. Off contract heading into 2026, she is sure to be looking elsewhere, perhaps even overseas, to ply her trade. Read related topics: Adelaide
News.com.au
05-07-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Super Netball round 13 results: Sunshine Coast Lightning defeat NSW Swifts 71-70
Sunshine Coast Lightning have overcome a dismal start and dogged NSW Swifts pressure to claim a 71-70 victory and keep their Super Netball season alive. Trailing with just seconds on the clock, captain Steph Fretwell sunk a long range shot to put her side in front and keep them in the hunt for a top-four finish, but they'll have to anxiously await the outcomes of other Round 13 games. 'The biggest thing for us is that we want to be brave and we want to have courage and that is something that this season we have shied away from. But that was a do-or-die moment for us and if it didn't come off and we had a one goal loss, at least we didn't walk off court and wonder what would've been,' Fretwell said. It's a tough state of affairs for the Swifts who, earlier in the season, looked unbeatable but have shown chinks in their armour after dropping four of their last five games. Given the loss, they'll stay in second place on the ladder, and are unlikely to reclaim the minor premiership or home final. The lead changed throughout the match and the physicality amped up, such was the desperation by both teams for the win. Bodies were hitting the floor as both teams battled the nerves, the crowd and each other. In the end, it was Fretwell's cool head who nailed a supershot to secure the win. The Swifts skipped out to an early lead with Sarah Klau wasting no time getting a positive stat on the board by collecting her first intercept at the two-minute mark. It was national teammate versus national teammate as she matched-up on Lighting's Cara Koenen, who made her return after spending two weeks resting a foot strain. Koenen eventually got the wood over Klau, taking MVP honours along the way, as she nailed 48 from 57 including one super shot. With Lightning's Courtney Bruce out due to a leg injury, the pressure was on young gun Ash Ervin to contain the Swifts' formidable goal shooter, Grace Nweke, who finished the match with 58 from 65 at 89 per cent but was shooting as low as 63 per cent at one point in the game. The Swifts were forced to bench captain Paige Hadley at halftime due to load management. One of the in form midcourters of the competition, Hadley was spotted wearing a moon boot at the airport last week and with the team guaranteed a finals spot, they didn't want to risk a more permanent injury by allowing her to play increased minutes too early. Post match, Hadley said that had she been on court in those final 30 seconds, she would have encouraged her team to play around the ball a bit more before taking a shot. 'We will have to go back and look at it. Swifts of old used to hold the ball for longer [than 30 seconds] at times. We will have to go back and have a look at it. But I think we just weren't on the same page and we were thinking more about getting the goal in and then applying pressure on defence,' Swifts goal attack Helen Housby said. Goal attack Helen Housby started the match well but as she has done over the last few rounds faded away as the match, and physicality, wore on. Housby was not the only one coping knocks with the umpires ordering both sides to tidy up and, at one point, telling Lightnings' wing defence Mahalia Cassidy and Swifts wing attack Grace Whyte, to 'knock it off' as they got caught up in overly physical play. A flying Lambden has been spotted at KRA ✈ï¸� Watch every game live on Kayo Sports, Foxtel and Binge. — Suncorp Super Netball (@SuperNetball) July 5, 2025 DIAMONDS DILEMMA The Diamonds squad is expected to be announced within the next two weeks. Out of this game, it is safe to say that at least five players will get another call-up with a further two (at least) likely on the invite list. The timing of Teigan O'Shannassy's lower back injury — which kept her out of today's match — could not be worse with many predicting she would receive her maiden invite. She will be hoping that consistent form, and existing connection with Diamonds' Sarah Klau and Paige Hadley, is enough for selectors to take a chance on her.
ABC News
06-06-2025
- Sport
- ABC News
Super Netballer and Diamond Cara Koenen opens up about violence against women
Cara Koenen is universally adored in the Super Netball world. The foundation Sunshine Coast Lightning player has precision under the net and a charismatic approach to life both in and out of the shooters' circle. But beneath the surface, the 29-year-old has been consumed by an experience that she says rocked her existence. Koenen is a victim of sexual assault, and she is speaking out against gendered violence. Netball is the highest participation sport for women and girls in Australia, a fact that fills Koenen with pride. But with it, comes a set of heart-sinking numbers on the sideline, one in four of them will have experienced domestic violence. Koenen knows her position at the top level brings power to speak to a captive audience. "We know that sport has the power to change attitudes and shape culture. So, we want to be role models, not just in how we play, but in how we lead," Koenen said. "I had an experience that really rocked my whole world to be honest." Koenen says that experience affected her confidence, and from there, came a flow on effect. Koenen says a big part of gendered violence is the misconception that it will happen at the hands of a stranger. "Statistically, the perpetrator is way more likely to be someone known to you, or an intimate partner. "We hear so much about how our actions lead to these violent acts … that rhetoric that there's something you've done wrong that led to the abuse. "That was something I really grappled with." Koenen says it impacted her netball and the ability to study. "It became all-consuming in all parts of my life … I couldn't escape it," she said. Koenen says concentration and sleep were her two biggest struggles after her experience. "My confidence on court was deteriorating and training and playing was no longer an escape or a place I could use to distract myself," she said. Koenen sat with the experience on her own for a period of time, because she felt embarrassment about what had happened but eventually found the strength to reach out to friends and family, who she says she is "extremely grateful for." Do you have a story idea about women in sport? Email us abcsport5050@ Koenen notched up her 100th national league match in April this year, is studying a Masters of Molecular Imaging Technology and sits in the top five for offensive rebounds in this season's Super Netball competition, but says it is important to know that domestic violence doesn't discriminate. "You never think it will happen to you," she said. "We grow up learning how to keep ourselves as safe as possible, even in Australia which is supposed to be one of the safest countries in the world. But even that isn't always enough." Her words follow a powerful statement released by the Australian Netball Players' Association (ANPA), in which they released a social media video calling domestic and family violence the most urgent social issue facing Australian women. One woman is killed every nine days by a current or former partner. In 2024 alone, 37 women lost their lives to gendered violence and over 4,600 women were hospitalised due to family and domestic violence — an average of 13 women every single day. And domestic and family violence is the leading cause of homelessness for women and children in our country. The decision to become publicly vocal about the issue stemmed from a general survey conducted on SSN players, with the results showing over 98 per cent of players surveyed felt the need to address domestic violence. "I went back-and-forth a few times about whether I wanted to speak to my own personal experience," Koenen said. "But statistically there are many more people playing on an SSN court who are far more affected by this than we know." Koenen also challenged the public to examine the seemingly "harmless" behaviours and attitudes that could perpetuate a future of violence in younger generations. "It starts with those little misogynistic, patriarchal behaviours or comments, like telling a girl [a boy] pulls your hair because he likes you. "They seem harmless, but they contribute to this broader issue. It's our role to educate ourselves and others about what is and isn't acceptable." Koenen also urges men to have a part in the conversation. "We need to create a society where everyone calls out harmful behaviour, where we empower each other and especially the little girls who look up to us, to speak out and say, 'that's not okay', Koenen said. "No matter what that little voice in the back of your head tells you, it's never anything to do with the victim. "It has everything to do with society and how we educate people and provide safe spaces for those who've suffered through domestic and family violence. "No part of what happened to me was my fault." Koenen also emphasises that if you're not hearing about it, it doesn't mean it's not happening. "We haven't yet created a safe enough space for people to be able to come forward with their experiences," she said. "And ask for the help they need and deserve."
The Advertiser
31-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Fretwell the super shot star in lethal Lightning strike
A banged-up Courtney Bruce produced a stellar defensive effort and Steph Fretwell backed it up with a perfect shooting display as the Sunshine Coast Lightning defeated the Melbourne Mavericks 67-60. Bruce crumpled to the floor in pain with a left ankle injury and could barely put weight on it as she limped off the court in the second quarter of Saturday's Super Netball clash at UniSC Arena. The Lightning led 24-15 at the time, but Bruce's exit allowed the Mavericks to close the margin to four goals a few minutes later. Bruce was able to return near the end of the quarter, with her presence proving crucial as the Lightning blew out the lead to as much as 18 goals in the third quarter, before holding off the Mavericks' late fightback. Lightning goal shooter Cara Koenen scored 45 goals from 51 attempts in a strong effort, but it was Fretwell who was the star in the big moments. Fretwell nailed a perfect 7-of-7 super shots in a remarkable display, and also converted 7-of-7 from normal range on the way to 21 points for the match. Star Mavericks shooter Shimona Jok finished with 41 goals from 42 attempts to go with two super shots, and Uneeq Palavi made 5-of-11 super shots, but it wasn't enough. The result improved the Lightning's record to 5-3, while the Mavericks (2-6) face a monumental task to make the finals. "Last week I wasn't really happy with how I shot, probably been a bit dodgy for the past few weeks," Fretwell told Fox Sports after the match. "Shooting this week was a big part that I wanted to make sure I executed." The first quarter was a topsy-turvy affair, with the Lightning shooting out to a 7-2 lead, the Mavericks fighting back to level the scores, before Fretwell's super shots gave the home side a 18-13 lead by the first break. Bruce's injury in the second quarter resulted in a momentum shift. But when Bruce returned to the court and Fretwell nailed some more long-range bombs, the Lightning entered the halftime break with a 38-30 lead. The third quarter was one-way traffic as the Mavericks' scoring dried up and the Lightning went into overdrive, opening up a 57-41 lead by the final change. The margin was whittled down to six goals with three-and-a-half minutes left, but the Lightning were able to hold firm from there. "We are really good at coming from behind at the moment, it's one of our strengths," Mavericks centre Molly Jovic said. "When we've got nothing to lose, we go for it, and we need to work out how to do that from the first quarter." A banged-up Courtney Bruce produced a stellar defensive effort and Steph Fretwell backed it up with a perfect shooting display as the Sunshine Coast Lightning defeated the Melbourne Mavericks 67-60. Bruce crumpled to the floor in pain with a left ankle injury and could barely put weight on it as she limped off the court in the second quarter of Saturday's Super Netball clash at UniSC Arena. The Lightning led 24-15 at the time, but Bruce's exit allowed the Mavericks to close the margin to four goals a few minutes later. Bruce was able to return near the end of the quarter, with her presence proving crucial as the Lightning blew out the lead to as much as 18 goals in the third quarter, before holding off the Mavericks' late fightback. Lightning goal shooter Cara Koenen scored 45 goals from 51 attempts in a strong effort, but it was Fretwell who was the star in the big moments. Fretwell nailed a perfect 7-of-7 super shots in a remarkable display, and also converted 7-of-7 from normal range on the way to 21 points for the match. Star Mavericks shooter Shimona Jok finished with 41 goals from 42 attempts to go with two super shots, and Uneeq Palavi made 5-of-11 super shots, but it wasn't enough. The result improved the Lightning's record to 5-3, while the Mavericks (2-6) face a monumental task to make the finals. "Last week I wasn't really happy with how I shot, probably been a bit dodgy for the past few weeks," Fretwell told Fox Sports after the match. "Shooting this week was a big part that I wanted to make sure I executed." The first quarter was a topsy-turvy affair, with the Lightning shooting out to a 7-2 lead, the Mavericks fighting back to level the scores, before Fretwell's super shots gave the home side a 18-13 lead by the first break. Bruce's injury in the second quarter resulted in a momentum shift. But when Bruce returned to the court and Fretwell nailed some more long-range bombs, the Lightning entered the halftime break with a 38-30 lead. The third quarter was one-way traffic as the Mavericks' scoring dried up and the Lightning went into overdrive, opening up a 57-41 lead by the final change. The margin was whittled down to six goals with three-and-a-half minutes left, but the Lightning were able to hold firm from there. "We are really good at coming from behind at the moment, it's one of our strengths," Mavericks centre Molly Jovic said. "When we've got nothing to lose, we go for it, and we need to work out how to do that from the first quarter." A banged-up Courtney Bruce produced a stellar defensive effort and Steph Fretwell backed it up with a perfect shooting display as the Sunshine Coast Lightning defeated the Melbourne Mavericks 67-60. Bruce crumpled to the floor in pain with a left ankle injury and could barely put weight on it as she limped off the court in the second quarter of Saturday's Super Netball clash at UniSC Arena. The Lightning led 24-15 at the time, but Bruce's exit allowed the Mavericks to close the margin to four goals a few minutes later. Bruce was able to return near the end of the quarter, with her presence proving crucial as the Lightning blew out the lead to as much as 18 goals in the third quarter, before holding off the Mavericks' late fightback. Lightning goal shooter Cara Koenen scored 45 goals from 51 attempts in a strong effort, but it was Fretwell who was the star in the big moments. Fretwell nailed a perfect 7-of-7 super shots in a remarkable display, and also converted 7-of-7 from normal range on the way to 21 points for the match. Star Mavericks shooter Shimona Jok finished with 41 goals from 42 attempts to go with two super shots, and Uneeq Palavi made 5-of-11 super shots, but it wasn't enough. The result improved the Lightning's record to 5-3, while the Mavericks (2-6) face a monumental task to make the finals. "Last week I wasn't really happy with how I shot, probably been a bit dodgy for the past few weeks," Fretwell told Fox Sports after the match. "Shooting this week was a big part that I wanted to make sure I executed." The first quarter was a topsy-turvy affair, with the Lightning shooting out to a 7-2 lead, the Mavericks fighting back to level the scores, before Fretwell's super shots gave the home side a 18-13 lead by the first break. Bruce's injury in the second quarter resulted in a momentum shift. But when Bruce returned to the court and Fretwell nailed some more long-range bombs, the Lightning entered the halftime break with a 38-30 lead. The third quarter was one-way traffic as the Mavericks' scoring dried up and the Lightning went into overdrive, opening up a 57-41 lead by the final change. The margin was whittled down to six goals with three-and-a-half minutes left, but the Lightning were able to hold firm from there. "We are really good at coming from behind at the moment, it's one of our strengths," Mavericks centre Molly Jovic said. "When we've got nothing to lose, we go for it, and we need to work out how to do that from the first quarter."
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Fretwell the super shot star in lethal Lightning strike
A banged-up Courtney Bruce produced a stellar defensive effort and Steph Fretwell backed it up with a perfect shooting display as the Sunshine Coast Lightning defeated the Melbourne Mavericks 67-60. Bruce crumpled to the floor in pain with a left ankle injury and could barely put weight on it as she limped off the court in the second quarter of Saturday's Super Netball clash at UniSC Arena. The Lightning led 24-15 at the time, but Bruce's exit allowed the Mavericks to close the margin to four goals a few minutes later. Bruce was able to return near the end of the quarter, with her presence proving crucial as the Lightning blew out the lead to as much as 18 goals in the third quarter, before holding off the Mavericks' late fightback. Lightning goal shooter Cara Koenen scored 45 goals from 51 attempts in a strong effort, but it was Fretwell who was the star in the big moments. Fretwell nailed a perfect 7-of-7 super shots in a remarkable display, and also converted 7-of-7 from normal range on the way to 21 points for the match. Star Mavericks shooter Shimona Jok finished with 41 goals from 42 attempts to go with two super shots, and Uneeq Palavi made 5-of-11 super shots, but it wasn't enough. The result improved the Lightning's record to 5-3, while the Mavericks (2-6) face a monumental task to make the finals. "Last week I wasn't really happy with how I shot, probably been a bit dodgy for the past few weeks," Fretwell told Fox Sports after the match. "Shooting this week was a big part that I wanted to make sure I executed." Denied by Bruce 👊🏼 Watch every game live on Kayo Sports, Foxtel and Binge. — Suncorp Super Netball (@SuperNetball) May 31, 2025 The first quarter was a topsy-turvy affair, with the Lightning shooting out to a 7-2 lead, the Mavericks fighting back to level the scores, before Fretwell's super shots gave the home side a 18-13 lead by the first break. Bruce's injury in the second quarter resulted in a momentum shift. But when Bruce returned to the court and Fretwell nailed some more long-range bombs, the Lightning entered the halftime break with a 38-30 lead. The third quarter was one-way traffic as the Mavericks' scoring dried up and the Lightning went into overdrive, opening up a 57-41 lead by the final change. The margin was whittled down to six goals with three-and-a-half minutes left, but the Lightning were able to hold firm from there. "We are really good at coming from behind at the moment, it's one of our strengths," Mavericks centre Molly Jovic said. "When we've got nothing to lose, we go for it, and we need to work out how to do that from the first quarter."
