Jamie-Lee Price has helped steer the Melbourne Mavericks to a rousing victory over the Sunshine Coast Lightning, banking their second win of the Super Netball competition.
The Mavericks dominated their Sunday clash at Sippy Downs, setting up the 62-53 win on the back of an impressive first half.
Lining up in the mid-court against her Diamonds Test teammate Liz Watson, the physical Price was a stand-out, ably assisted by Mavericks wing attack Maddie Hay.
Goal shooter Shimona Nelson was also a weapon for the Mavericks, slotting a game-high 56 goals from 61 attempts.
Entering the round fifth on the ladder, a spot behind the Lightning, the Melbourne outfit started the match with intent, racing out to a 19-12 lead.
Unbeaten at home before this result, the Lightning struggled with their centre pass to goal outcome as they pushed passes under pressure.
They were unable to haul in the Mavericks in the second term and still trailed 26-35 at halftime.
With Donnell Wallam returning to the goal circle, Sunshine Coast finally found some rhythm in the third quarter.
Former Diamonds sharp-shooter Wallam nailed two crucial two-point goals, with the second closing the margin to just two points.
They continued that rally early in the final quarter but weren't able to maintain their momentum, the Mavericks again kicking away to secure a confidence-boosting win.
Melbourne's goal defence Kim Brown, who kept a lid on Cara Koenen, said they were relieved to have resisted the Lightning's fightback.
"It's been disappointing in the last few weeks, so it's really good that we got the win there," Brown told Kayo Sport.
"We have the belief that we can do it and we can take it to every team, so we definitely went away and we've trained really hard this week and we're able to show that by going to this game."
