NSW Swifts star Grace Nweke hails Lightning defence as Super Netball’s best

Swifts super shooter Grace Nweke has labelled Lightning’s defence as the best in the league and said she was left “rattled” by a rising star.

Swifts shooting star Grace Nweke has hailed Sunshine Coast Lightning’s defensive unit as the toughest in the league.

Nweke’s assessment of the Lightning’s stoppers comes after Swifts 70-62 win at UniSC Arena on Saturday night.

The NSW side took charge of the game in the third quarter with the score almost blowing out by 20 points.

But an energy burst from Lightning in the final five minutes saw them net a string of super shots to bring the final score back closer.

Nweke, named player of the game, was very critical of her performance and said she was surprised by the honour.

“I think personally it was my poorest game yet,” Nweke said, after netting 50 of her 56 shots.

“I have really high standards for myself so there was a bit of frustration in those areas … I felt I was inaccurate and not available for my team as much as I wanted to be.

“But I know I set the bar high for myself so when I fall short of a good performance for me there is a bit of frustration and emotion there.”

Grace Nweke made 50 of her 56 shots. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Nweke did make some mistakes including turnovers, stepping and the missed shots.

The New Zealand shooter put it down to Lightning’s defence, particularly Ash Ervin.

“Ash had a really big impact and challenged me under the post, especially on those hard shots.

“I was quite rattled, especially with Ash.

“There is definitely a lot to look back on and work on going forward.”

Lightning coach Belinda Reynolds was also happy with Ervin’s performance.

“I think Grace definitely had the better of her early on in the game but it was good,” Reynolds said.

“I think Ash came out of the game, had a really good look at that and grew as the minutes went on.

“They are a great match up, obviously in height and range and I think Ash is only going to grow each and every time she gets an opportunity to play on Grace.”

Swifts are now seven from seven – the only undefeated team in the competition.

Nweke said their winning streak was only continuing to build their confidence and didn’t mind if it made them a target.

Grace Nweke still took player of the match honours despite her frustrations. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

“We welcome the challenge,” Nweke said.

“We know that teams are going to bring their best and play their best games against us.

“That’s exciting for us to keep growing in that space. We don’t feel hunted. We just feel like we are setting the bar for everyone else.”

Nweke, who had forfeited her eligibility to play for the New Zealand national team to play Super Netball, said she had no regrets.

“I’m the happiest I’ve been since moving here I’ve really settled in, made some good relationships with players and staff,” Nweke said.

“The training environment is fantastic, it’s a challenge every week but I’ve been able to get out of my comfort zone and I’ve been pushed, it’s so great.

“I’ve made my choice to play here, I’m glad for it, I’m really enjoying playing here and whatever happens with eligibility is out of my control, obviously I’d love to play for New Zealand going forward but it’s the way it is.”

Originally published as NSW Swifts star Grace Nweke hails Lightning defence as Super Netball’s best