Murphy has reason to be hopeful as she reflects on narrow Northumbria victory
“In fits and starts we looked untouchable” was one of the key messages coach Olivia Murphy was keen to emphasise after she witnessed her side’s narrow victory over Team Northumbria in their Fiat Superleague season opener on Saturday.
However she too was probably left scratching her head as to how her side, after a storming open quarter, were left on the brink of defeat.
Lightning started the fixture impressively, playing Northumbria virtually off the court in the first quarter. However, they then let the away side claw their way back into contention, and as a result the margin was a lot slimmer at 49-44, than Murphy and her team probably would have liked.
“It’s hard to put a finger on why we let things slip, especially after we started so well. In parts we looked untouchable”, she explained.
“However we like to stick to a game plan – after the first quarter, for whatever reason, we didn’t and today is evidence that we need to.”
The former player, who called time on her playing career again this Summer, wasn’t too despondent, however as she stated that victory was, at the end of the day, the most important thing.
“We wanted to get off to a good start to get the season up and running”, she stated.
“We have worked very hard in training, especially with all of the changes within the team and in patches there were evidence of the very good side we can be”.
“Of course I’d have liked us to have continued throughout the game the way we did in the first quarter, but starting the season with a win, especially in front of such a large crowd, is great for our confidence.”
Murphy also hesitated when asked who her choice for player of the match was, explaining that there were many impressive performances on court. She did however eventually decide to split the award between defender Nicola Caunt and prolific shooter Becky James.
Explaining her decisions, she said, “Nic (Caunt) worked exceptionally hard today and not only did she limit the Northumbria attack, she supported magnificently in attack too.
“Becky, well I think her shooting statistics probably do all the talking. She commanded the attack and her shooting under pressure was fantastic.”
And shared player of the match James herself also beamed when asked her thoughts on the match.
“I think it was good today that we battled hard right until the end.
“We showed we can compete with anyone in the league, and even when the chips are down, we can still come back and challenge with the best.”
By Kelly Somers
