By LIAM TWOMEY
VU WESTERN Lightning has defeated City West Falcons by two goals in the Victorian Netball League battle of the West.
In what was a close contest through the night, VU opened up a four-goal lead to start the second half and managed to hold on for the rest of the contest.
City West continued to push hard and dragged the margin back to just one goal but could not find the lead again with Lightning securing the two-goal win.
VU coach Matt Hills was rapt with the way his side was able to respond after its round-two loss to Peninsula Waves.
“We set a plan about what we wanted to do and for the main part of the game we were able to execute it,” Hills said.
“It was a pretty close contest as it normally is when we play Falcons.
“I was really happy with the way we came through it.”
Lightning were led around the goals by Meg Fitzpatrick who missed just four shots throughout the night to be the leading shooter on the court.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing for VU though, as experienced wing attack Amelia Hills had to sit out the majority of the match with a finger injury.
Amelia was replaced by Sophie Barr, who Hills credited with a brilliant performance.
“Sophie has been working really hard at the centre court role this year,” Hills said.
“She has been doing her training in the mid court and it was really pleasing that she was ready to go and she stepped up to the plate.
“Although we are disappointed about the injury, it is great for a young girl like Sophie to step on the court and get the job done.”
VU will meet DC North Blaze when round four kicks off this week while City West will look to bounce back against Monash University Central.
Both western suburbs based teams now have a 2-1 win/loss record.
