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.
Goal attack Te Paea Selby-Rickit had 16 goals and 25 feeds, while star shooter Mary Cholhok nailed 46 goals from 52 shots to help the Brisbane-based team claim the Queensland Cup.
"Everyone went out there, did their jobs and nailed it, and it just feels so good to give back to our fans," Jackson told Fox Sports.
"We wanted to put on a performance that we're proud of, and I think we're already proud of that one."
The loss means the league's top four has been set with a round to spare, with the Thunderbirds, Melbourne Vixens, West Coast Fever and Melbourne Mavericks clear of the rest.
It will also end what was expected to be a glittering season for the Lightning, who were tipped to make their first finals appearance since 2024 after adding Wallam and New Zealand captain Karin Burger to their already star-studded roster.
After losing her spot on the Diamonds squad, Lightning defender Ash Ervin was busy (six gains, four interceptions), while Wallam, fresh off a national team recall, netted 34 goals from 46 shots.
It was a tense start as the teams exchanged goals, but Gordon was instrumental in helping the Firebirds to a 33-30 halftime lead.
The Firebirds continued to up their intensity in the third period, ballooning their advantage to six goals at the final break.
Sunshine Coast desperately tried to find a new gear in the final quarter, but the Brisbane-based team kept the scoreboard ticking over to secure victory.
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