Vixens Academy | Round 4 preview

A close match is anticipated, with Vixens Academy sitting on top of the ladder, and Sunshine Coast Lightning Bolts only suffering a 1-point loss to QBE Swifts Academy last week.

Vixens Academy will again be tested in this game coming up against multiple players with Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) experience. Among them is Bolts co-captain, C/WD Maddie Hinchliffe, who was contracted to Collingwood Magpies’ SSN team in 2023, and was Sunshine Coast Lightning’s 11th player in both 2024 and 2025. Vixens Academy captain Ally O’Connor will be tasked with disrupting Hinchliffe’s composure and ability to pick up ball in this match.

Bolts’ other co-captain, WD/GD Shannon Eagland, also has significant elite experience. She made her national debut for the Queensland Firebirds in 2012 before playing for Melbourne Vixens in 2013, West Coast Fever from 2017–2021, then joining Sunshine Coast Lightning’s squad from 2023 before a second ACL injury setback. She will come up against Vixens Academy co vice-captain Zali Anderson, who has played almost every minute this season across wing attack and centre, in the battle to control the midcourt.

In the goal attack position, Sunshine Coast Lightning Bolts have started either their 2026 SSN 11th player Tippah Dwan, or contracted athlete Gabby Sinclair, in the first three rounds. Lily Cubby provides another goal attack option off the bench. Shutting down Bolts’ movement in the power five, especially via Sinclair who slotted 9 super shots last week (including 5 under pressure in the last quarter), will be part of Vixens Academy’s game plan this week. Expect Ruby Pekin-Schlicht to apply a strong lean over the shot and come out hunting for cross court balls.

Another Lightning 2026 SSN training partner, Baylee Boyd, will likely start in wing attack against Vixens Academy’s Taylah Brown or Ruby Turner. They'll need to draw on their height and strength in this match to overcome Boyd’s speed and relentless drive for the ball, as well as the crafty feeds of WA/GA Michaela Kadlecek, and the engine of C/WA Sophie Westover coming off the bench.

Lightning’s final 2026 SSN training partner Jada Delaney will likely start in goal defence ready to apply her rangy arms over the shot of Vixens Academy’s goal attack Mia Lavis and Georgia Moody.

A key matchup in this game will be between Bolts’ goal shooter Sally Jenkins against Vixens Academy’s most experienced player and co vice-captain, Maggie Caris. A tall and agile shooter, Jenkins applies strong scoreboard pressure in regular time (minimum 30 goals a game this season), and has put up at least one super shot in every round so far.

Elena Damianopoulos, who has played every minute of the Bolts’ 2026 season so far at goal keeper, will face Vixens Academy’s Bella Hogdson who has been consistent in goal shooter to start the season with her unpredictable movement.

Bolts’ remaining 2026 squad members Samaya Cook (defender and 2026 Australian 19/Under Squad member), Kaylee Tamala (Queensland 19/U State Team member and goaler), Annika Lee-Jones (GK/GS and former Sunshine Coast Lightning player), and Georgia Mae Stroud (New Zealand-born midcourter) are yet to take the court this season but may also be injected in this match.

Vixens Academy have played members of their extended squad every game so far in 2026 with midcourter Casey Dunstan, goaler Sahara Ball, and defenders Charli Nicol and Gabby Dwyer all taking to the court. Melbourne Vixens goaler Lily Graham may also play SN Reserves this week depending on her SSN court time.

Tune in to see if Vixens Academy can maintain their undefeated streak in this Round 4 contest.

Sunshine Coast Lightning Bolts vs Vixens Academy

Sunday 17 May, 10am AEST, UniSC Arena, Sunshine Coast

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