The Adelaide Thunderbirds will not need to leave South Australia again this season after securing top spot on the Super Netball ladder with a gripping 64-62 win over Sunshine Coast Lightning.
The Thunderbirds' hard-fought triumph on Sunday completed an unbeaten regular season at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, while also edging them into first position, ahead of Melbourne Vixens and West Coast Fever (all tied with 11-3 records) on percentage.
After Lightning captain Steph Fretwell levelled the scores at 60-60 in a frenetic final term with a Super Shot that bobbled around before falling in, Thunderbirds attacker Georgie Horjus responded with a clutch two-pointer of her own.
Sunshine Coast wing defence Tara Hinchliffe crucially fumbled the next centre pass and Adelaide capitalised, with Romelda Aiken-George goaling twice, the Lightning's brave charge finally coming undone inside the last minute.
The Thunderbirds host the second-placed Vixens in next Saturday's first-versus-second major semi-final at Adelaide 36ers Arena in Findon, with the victors earning direct passage into the August 3 grand final at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.
The Lightning, who had already banked fourth position regardless of Sunday's verdict, will tackle third-ranked West Coast Fever in next Sunday's sudden-death minor semi-final at RAC Arena.
"It's pretty cool. That (finishing top) has been our goal all year," Horjus said.
"We're really happy with what we put out there today.
"We're really excited for next weekend."
The Thunderbirds shrugged off an early ankle injury to shooter Lauren Frew and a fierce challenge to inflict the Lightning's first ever loss in Adelaide.
Sunshine Coast trailed 18-15 at quarter-time before rallying through Leesa Mi Mi's creativity at centre and veteran Courtney Bruce's injection into defence.
The visitors edged ahead by one goal in the second stanza, before star shooter Cara Koenen retreated to the bench after hurting her left elbow in a collision with Latanya Wilson.
The Thunderbirds pounced, closing the half with a 7-0 burst to move back in front at the main interval, 35-29.
Koenen returned with her elbow strapped, but the home side took control, extending their advantage to 52-42 before Sunshine Coast skipper Fretwell's Super-Shot spree cut the margin to six goals at three-quarter-time.
The Lightning finished the match strongly but were left to rue Hinchliffe's late turnover and strong Adelaide advantages in gains (11-6) and rebounds (10-0).
