Title-chasing Lightning have 'target on our backs'

Loughborough Lightning, under the guidance of head coach Vic Burgess, are on a quest to make history by becoming the first team to win three consecutive titles in the Netball Super League. As they prepare for a crucial play-off semi-final against London Pulse, Burgess acknowledges that her team has faced significant pressure throughout the season due to their status as defending champions. The upcoming match is set to take place at the Copper Box Arena, where the Lightning are determined to secure their place in the Grand Final for the seventh time in eight seasons. Burgess emphasized the importance of treating this game as if it were a final itself, stating, "We want to bank our space in that Grand Final as early as possible so we have to give it everything." The stakes are high, as the winner of this semi-final will progress directly to the Grand Final on July 6, while the loser will have another chance to compete for a spot in the championship match against the winner of the other semi-final between Manchester Thunder and London Mavericks.

Despite their impressive track record, the Lightning enter this semi-final on a low note, having recently suffered a defeat against Birmingham Panthers in their last regular-season game. Burgess reflected on the ups and downs of the season, acknowledging that the team has faced challenges and fluctuating performances. However, she remains optimistic that these experiences will motivate her players moving forward. The coach recognized that being the target of other teams' strategies has been a consistent theme this season, stating that they have had to maintain their focus and intensity in every match. "We do have that target on our back and we have [had] all season," said Burgess, underscoring the importance of hard work that has brought them to this stage. With a strong desire to defend their title and achieve a historic 'three-peat,' the Lightning are ready to give their best effort in the upcoming match against the Pulse.