The Sunshine Coast Lightning's season of promise has ended in despair after a 66-59 loss to the Queensland Firebirds eliminated them from Super Netball finals contention.
With the Lightning's campaign on life support, they needed to win on Saturday to keep in the top-four race in front of a packed Nissan Arena for the Queensland derby.
But Sunshine Coast couldn't seem to click into gear and find their usual attacking fluency as the already eliminated Firebirds claimed their first win against their opponents since 2022.
Kiwi Kelly Jackson had a big say in stopping Diamonds shooting duo Cara Koenen and Donnell Wallam, grabbing 10 gains, four rebounds and four interceptions, while centre Maddy Gordon registered 20 feeds and 10 goal assists.
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