MATCH DAY FEATURE

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FROM THE COACH

West Coast Fever are returning home after two weeks on the road with a win against the Lightning and a tight loss against the Vixens which concluded a gruelling block of four away games in five weeks.

Sunshine Coast Lightning

Fever’s trip to the Sunshine Coast was a success, with the team prevailing 74-64 in front of an intimidating crowd.

It was a tense affair which saw Fever leading for much of the game after trading scores for the first eight minutes of the game.

A run of five goals saw Fever take control and build an eight-goal lead at the first break.

The two teams were in an arm wrestle throughout the second and third quarters with Fever being able nudge the scoreline to their advantage.

At the close of the third quarter Lightning were able to get themselves back in the game, bringing the margin to seven to keep the game alive.

Lightning kept on the pressure through to the halfway point of the last quarter to make the difference in scores just five goals.

After a Lightning timeout, Fever were able to take back control of the game and maintain their lead till the close of play.

Jhaniele Fowler was at her brilliant best, scoring 65 Goals without a miss and collecting three Rebounds. Alice Teague-Neeld also continued her good form with 37 feeds and 33 Goal Assists.

Melbourne Vixens

Last week Fever travelled to Melbourne to play a strong Vixens side who they only beat by a single goal in Round 1.

While the score difference was the same, it was the Vixens who prevailed in nail biting fashion, taking the game 74-73.

Vixens were able to get on the front foot early, taking the lead by five goals halfway through the first quarter.

That would prove to be the biggest margin for any team in the game as the tight tussle continued.

Sasha Glasgow was exceptional from distance as she sunk two Super Shots to reduce the margin to just two goals at quarter time.

Neither team gave much away through the second term but in similar fashion to the first Fever had a productive Power 5 bringing scores level.

A four-goal run to start the third quarter gave Fever their first moment ahead in the game but both teams exchanged blows as neither could build a comfortable margin.

The last quarter had everything to play for and despite Glasgow and Fowler scoring three Super Shots between them a buzzer beating twopointer by Kiera Austin stole the win away in dramatic fashion.

Jess Anstiss showed off her versatility, impressing in Wing Defence and Centre as Dan Ryan was forced to keep the midcourt flexible.

Fowler also impressed with her range shooting, scoring multiple Super Shots for the first time this season.

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