Samantha Wallace-Joseph (right) is in her first season with Loughborough Lightning Loughborough Lightning have the chance to go for an unprecedented three-peat after booking their spot to face London Pulse in the Netball Super League Grand Final. Defending champions Lightning were condemned to the preliminary final after they werebeaten last week by Pulse,the regular season leaders. That meant a repeat of last year's Grand Final against Manchester Thunder and hosts Lightning came from behind to win 69-57 on Sunday. Thunder scored 10 unanswered goals en route to a 19-12 lead after the first quarter, but Lightning did not look back after a blistering second. After going 27-20 down, Jodie Gibson came on at goal defence to give Lightning a boost, while Samantha Wallace-Joseph did the damage at the other end. The Trinidad and Tobago shooter converted fivetwo-point super shotsduring the second quarter to help Lightning into a 37-30 lead at half-time. Thunder called a tactical timeout at 44-33 down, while South Africa shooter Elmere van der Berg was brought off for the first time all season. But Lightning still led 52-40 heading into the final quarter and stayed clear to book a rematch with Pulse in next Sunday's Grand Final at London's O2 Arena. Lightning and Pulse were vying for top spot for much of the regular season, and their direct tussles were fascinating. In round two, Pulse scored a statement 77-51 victory in Loughborough over the reigning champions, but that result was avenged at the Copper Box in May, when Lightning were 58-53 winners. Table-topping Pulse took the honours 50-49 in a play-off semi-final nailbiter, and now the teams go at it again. The Grand Final line-up is the same as in 2023, when Lightning came from behind to win, and big-stage experience weighs heavily in Loughborough's favour. Pulse topped the regular-season table in 2023, too, but could not finish the job in the play-offs and are still seeking a first NSL title.
Champions Lightning beat Thunder to reach Grand Final
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Loughborough Lightning Advance to Netball Super League Grand Final After Victory Over Manchester Thunder"
Bbc News
8.7
TruthLens AI Summary
Loughborough Lightning have secured their place in the Netball Super League Grand Final, setting the stage for a potential historic three-peat. The defending champions faced Manchester Thunder in the preliminary final after suffering a defeat to London Pulse, the regular season leaders, the previous week. In a thrilling match held on Sunday, Lightning overcame an initial setback, where Thunder surged to a 19-12 lead with ten unanswered goals in the first quarter. However, the Lightning responded decisively with a remarkable second quarter performance. With Jodie Gibson providing a strategic boost at goal defense and Samantha Wallace-Joseph showcasing her shooting prowess by scoring five two-point super shots, Lightning turned the tide and entered halftime with a 37-30 advantage. This pivotal shift in momentum proved crucial as they maintained control throughout the second half, concluding the match with a 69-57 victory.
As they prepare to face London Pulse in the Grand Final next week at London’s O2 Arena, the match-up promises to be a highly anticipated rematch. Throughout the regular season, Lightning and Pulse engaged in several competitive encounters, with Pulse initially dominating their second-round matchup with a commanding 77-51 win at Loughborough. However, Lightning retaliated with a narrow 58-53 victory in their subsequent meeting at the Copper Box. The two teams also faced off in a tense play-off semi-final, where Pulse narrowly edged out Lightning 50-49. This upcoming final mirrors last year’s Grand Final, which Lightning won after overcoming a deficit, giving them valuable experience heading into the decisive match. As Pulse seeks its first NSL title, the stakes are high, and both teams are eager to prove their mettle in what promises to be an exciting conclusion to the season.
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