LAKESIDE Lightning captain Jess Van Schie did all she could in a bid to win her second women's SBL championship but it wasn’t quite to be with the 32-year-old veteran announcing her retirement following Friday night's grand final loss.

The Lightning had gone on a 13-game winning streak entering Friday night's grand final in front of a standalone women's record crowd of 1122 at the WA Basketball Centre, but in the end the Rockingham Flames just prevailed in a thriller 80-75.

Van Schie has every reason to be tremendously proud of her SBL career, though, which saw her finish as the captain of the Lightning and along the way she played in excess of 200 matches and was part of the Lightning's 2006 championship team.

Van Schie did all she could in the grand final to try to win her second championship finishing with seven points, seven rebounds and three assists while Kari Pickens top-scored with 25 points, eight boards and five assists.

It wasn’t quite to be the fairytale finish to her career, but Van Schie knows she has plenty to be thankful for as she now focuses on spending more time with her family.

"I want to thank my teammates and coaching staff. They have all worked tirelessly all year and I couldn’t ask for a better group to be part of to do this with week in and week out," Van Schie said.

"They are all fantastic people and I know will push other teams in the years to come. It's been a pleasure to be a part of Lakeside for so long but my time is done playing and now I get to enjoy some extra time with my family."

Van Schie certainly enjoyed the experience of playing in front of the record women's grand final crowd as well on Friday night, but gives full credit to the Flames for winning their first SBL championship.

"What a great game that was and it has been a great season for both teams, and congratulations to Rockingham for being the benchmark all year. They were just too good for us in the grand final," Van Schie said.

"It was great to play in front of an awesome crowd, obviously it was a record breaking crowd and we definitely heard everyone out there and appreciated the effort they went to.

"I want to thank all our family and friends who always are here to support us. Not only are they there every week to help, but to celebrate with us each week."

Article by Chris Pike
Photo by Mick Cronin