Lakeside Lightning caused an upset in game one of their women’s best-of-three quarter finals series, taking down the Willetton Tigers 64-58.

The Tigers were favourites going into the match on the back of seven consecutive wins but some home court magic saw the Lightning end their three game losing streak at the perfect time.

Lakeside came out of the gate charging with a 14 point lead by half time, while the defending champions made a second half comeback the Lightning held on in the fourth quarter to get over the line.

The Lightning were led to victory by Claire Johnson with 20 points and nine rebounds, the forward was cool under pressure icing 6/6 from the free throw line.

She was supported by a solid double-double from Jessica Seyler (16 points, 12 rebounds) and Emily Fielding with 12 points.

New Logan Thunder signing Jasmine Hooper was a standout for the Tigers with 17 points and seven rebounds, shooting just below her 20 point a game season average.

The Willetton star was assisted by Courtney Hargreaves (14 points, six rebounds) and West Coast Waves star Melissa Marsh who finished with 12 points.

Lakeside shot a respectable 31% from three-point range connecting on 5/16, while Willetton will be hoping to shoot better than their 11% (1/9) from outside in game two.

The Tigers were impressive scoring inside the paint, managing to outscore the Lightning 28-16 under the bucket.

Lakeside now head into next weekend with a 1-0 advantage in the best-of-three series, the Tigers will be hoping their home court advantage can stop the Lightning from edging closer to their first grand final appearance since 2006.

Article by Hannah Coleman
Photo by Darren Speedie (Vision Inspired Photography)