The NSW Swifts have suffered their first defeat of the 2019 Super Netball season at the hands of the resilient Sunshine Coast Lightning 59-57, at the Quaycentre on Saturday.
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The hosts looked the dominant side for lengthy periods of the contest but failed to capitalise on some late chances, allowing the visitors back into the game with some costly turnovers and errors.
The Swifts took a 32-31 lead into the halftime break in what was a very hard-fought first half, and both sides were bringing plenty of physicality onto the court as they jockeyed for second spot on the competition ladder.
Sam Wallace (33/36) and Helen Housby (24/26) continued to show their chemistry up front, but it was the Lightning's Peace Proscovia who was shining the brightest with 25 points before halftime, making life extremely tough for the home team's defence.
The Swifts rallied after the break and raced out to an eight-point lead during the third quarter, however the injection of Cara Koenen sparked a comeback for the visitors and turned what was looking to be a comfortable lead into a war of attrition once again.
Koenen scored 18 points in her cameo and put her side on the front foot, allowing them to overcome a fairly heavy deficit in a really strong come from behind win on the road.
The NSW Swifts will travel interstate next weekend to take on the high-flying Melbourne Vixens in a blockbuster clash.
Australian Associated Press
