Round 10 match report | Vixens vs Lightning

The Melbourne Vixens' unbeaten run came to an end in Round 10, going down to Sunshine Coast Lightning 56-66 at UniSC Arena on Saturday.

Playing without Hannah Mundy, Rudi Ellis and Emily Mannix, the Vixens faced a shorthanded challenge on the road, and it was the Lightning who made their intent clear from the opening minute, building a commanding lead that proved insurmountable across the first three quarters.

Q1 | Lightning 19 – Vixens 12

The Lightning set the tone early, moving the ball quickly through the midcourt and keeping the Vixens' defence guessing with long and short options into the circle. Donnell Wallam was a dominant presence under the post, capitalising on strong service from Liz Watson and Cara Koenen, whose growing connection caused problems all afternoon. The Vixens called their first tactical timeout down by four goals, with Di Honey urging patience and cleaner second-phase ball. Despite efforts from Maggie Caris and Zara Walters, who was in everything across the midcourt, the Lightning held firm to take a seven-goal lead into the first break.

Q2 | Lightning 14 – Vixens 12

The second quarter brought more of the same, with the Lightning extending their lead to 12 goals before the Vixens began to find some answers. Di Honey rang the changes, bringing Lily Graham onto court in the goal attack position, and she responded with composure under pressure, nailing two super shots to give her side a much-needed lift. Ally O'Connor took the court to become the 68th player to pull on a Vixens dress, with Ruby Pekin-Schlicht following to become number 69, both making their SSN debuts in a milestone moment for the Victorian pathway program. The Lightning went into the half-time break leading by nine goals.

Q3 | Lightning 16 – Vixens 12

Di Honey threw everything at it in the third, shuffling combinations including Sophie Garbin shifting to goal attack and Kiera Austin moving to goal shooter, with Kate Moloney pushing out to wing attack. Despite the tactical adjustments and a spirited defensive effort from Jo Weston — playing her 150th SSN game and 175th national league game — the Lightning continued to control the tempo. Wallam's strength under the post remained a constant challenge, and the Lightning went to the final break with a 13-goal buffer.

Q4 | Lightning 17 – Vixens 20

The Vixens finished the game strongly, outscoring the Lightning 20-17 in the final quarter. Lily Graham was the standout, finishing with a composed 6/10 from the field including several clutch super shots, while Kiera Austin contributed 6/11 across the afternoon. The final margin was 10 goals, 66-56 to the Sunshine Coast Lightning.

THE NUMBERS

2 — Two Vixens received their numbers for the first time today. Ally O'Connor became Vixen #68 and Ruby Pekin-Schlicht became Vixen #69, both making their SSN debuts in a milestone moment for the Victorian pathway program.

THE COACH SAYS

Head Coach Di Honey credited the Lightning and acknowledged where the Vixens need to improve.

"I just think they played really well. Full credit's due. I just felt our game was probably not how we wanted it to be, but they made us play like that, and we need to now go back to the drawing board and have a look at it."

Di on what the team needs to address going forward.

"We've learned a lot out of it. I just felt we went wide, we were behind, we weren't strong enough on the take at times. Their defence was exceptional today and that's where we need to go back and do our homework."

Di on what the Swifts should expect next week.

"We'll do our homework. We'll have our players back, hopefully, and that will make a difference. We'll be out there to continue on our winner path."

NEXT UP

The Melbourne Vixens return home to face the NSW Swifts on Sunday 24 May at John Cain Arena.