New Zealand netball coach Noeline Taurua's Sunshine Coast Lightning will West Coast Fever in a second consecutive Australian domestic final in a bid to retain title.
Netball coach Noeline Taurua. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Lightning won 59-50 on the Giants' home court in Sydney on Sunday to earn a spot in the title decider.
The Fever qualified a week earlier after beating the Giants in Sydney in the major semi-final.
The Giants had two chances to secure a spot in the grand final but - like the Melbourne Vixens last year - they could not make the home-court advantage.
In contrast, the Lightning had the hardest final's route and now face the longest trip of all to Perth for next Sunday's decider, after visits to Queensland Firebirds and Sydney.
Giants' veteran Susan Pettitt struggled early, missing six shots in 14 attempts before the surprise introduction of Kiera Austin (12/16), over regular replacement Kristina Price.
The retiring Pettitt would be subbed in for the final minute to offer her a deserved farewell after a 232 game 17-year national league career.
Her struggles stemmed from a strong defensive platform set by Lightning goal keeper Geva Mentor, forcing shooters deeper into the circle where passing lanes are more open to intercepts.
Mentor intercepted three passes while her Karla Pretorius had seven, winning the ball for their midcourt to begin the next attack.
Their hard work was well converted through Diamonds pairing Caitlin Bassett (40/43) and Steph Wood (19/23).
The grand final will take place in Perth against the West Coast Fever on Sunday August 26th which means if coach Taurua is set to become Silver Ferns coach, an announcement of her appointment won't be made until after the match.
