VNL: Lightning strikes winning streak to keeps finals hopes alive

VU-WESTERN Lightning remains in touch with the Victorian Netball League championship division top four after striking it hot with three consecutive wins.

The Lightning turned it on with big wins over Ballarat Pride and Geelong Cougars before downing the finals-contending Southern Saints 40-32 in a virtual eight-point game at the State Netball and Hockey Centre on Wednesday night.

Megan Fitzpatrick was the most dangerous attacker for the Lightning with 25 goals from 33 attempts.

The Matt Hills-coached Lightning is just two points off fourth spot with three rounds still to be played and has a favourable draw compared to the fourth-placed Saints, who have to play the top two sides in the run home.

It is still the City West Falcons who rule at the top of the table.

The Falcons consolidated first place with a 70-40 demolition of the Ballarat Pride at SNHC.

Kathleen Knott (30-from-36), Darcy Saunders (22-from-30) and Maggie Lind (10-from-11) feasted on their goalscoring chances.

– Lance Jenkinson