A remarkable 51 goals from Kate Thompson lifted VU Western Lightning to a 27-goal win against Geelong Cougars in the Victorian Netball League last week.
VU went into the round-17 match at the State Netball and Hockey Centre needing a win to keep its finals hopes alive.
With the pressure on, Thompson came through, scoring her goals from just 55 attempts as Lightning won 68-41. She was well supported by goal attack Sophie Barr, who netted 17 goals.
VU co-coach Robyne Dawson was delighted with her team.
“Not only did we have to win but we had to win well,” she said. “The girls did a good job considering we played Geelong three weeks ago and won by a goal.”
VU was strengthened by the return of star defender and club captain Brooke Thompson after finger surgery.
“Brooke started as goalkeeper,” Dawson said. “But we had an injury, so she went back to her favoured position [goal defence] and was great driving through the centre court.”
Fifth-placed VU, now just two points outside the top four, meets sixth-placed Monash University Storm this week in the final round before the finals.
To qualify for finals, Lightning needs to win and hope fourth-placed Peninsula Waves loses to unbeaten City West Falcons.
