Worcester Wolves 26-76 Loughborough Lightning

Friday March 15th 2024

By George Chapman

Wolves show great team spirit in defeat against Women’s Premier League leaders Loughborough Lightning.

On Friday night Worcester Wolves Women’s Premier League side faced Loughborough Lightning, in the first WPL game to be played on a Friday evening at The University of Worcester Arena.

Emily Branthwaite got the first score for Worcester with a shot from the top of the key after a strong start from Loughborough Lightning, who led by ten points with Wolves Head Coach Lucas Warburton calling a time out with four minutes forty-three seconds remaining in the first quarter.

Cat Yearron got her first score of the game after finishing a layup following Wolves great composure to play through Loughborough’s full court pressure. At the end the first quarter Loughborough were up by twenty points with the scoreboard reading Worcester Wolves four points Loughborough Lightning twenty-four points.

Niamh Horan opened her account for the game scoring Wolves’ first basket of the second quarter, knocking down a shot from the left wing position. Lena Knippelmeyer got her first two of the game after Cat Yearron secured an offensive rebound, finding Knippelmeyer who converted from inside the key.

Wolves scored with the last possession of the first half after Niamh Horan collected an offensive rebound, scoring Wolves’ tenth point of the first half. Lightning showed why their sitting at the top of the WPL scoring forty-three points in the first half, restricting Lucas Warburtons’ side to ten points going into the second half.

Elana Brand got the scoreboard ticking in the second half scoring the first baskets of the third quarter, converting two free throws after being fouled in the act of shooting, for Wolves’ twelfth point of the game. Jade Loughlin scored her first basket of the game after good ball movement found Loughlin who converted from inside the key.

Brand added two more points to her total after knocking down a post up from inside the key for Wolves sixteenth point of the game.  Wolves number nine Loughlin showed fantastic composure to dribble past Loughborough defenders, going all the way to the hoop. Elana Brand scored another post up shot from inside the key for twentieth point of the game.

Heading into the final quarter, Lightning held a thirty-eight-point lead, with the score board reading 20-58 in favour of the visitors.

Imogen Longworth got her first score of the game and Wolves first points of the final quarter finishing from inside the key. Lillie Hickman got her first basket, converting a layup after great ball movement around the Loughborough Lightning defensive pressure.

Lena Knippelmeyer got her sixth point of the game, knocking down a shot from the elbow for the final score of the match. With the final score Worcester Wolves twenty-six Loughborough Lightning seventy six.

Lucas Warburtons’ side have one more home fixture against Cardiff Met Archers on Saturday 27^th April tipping off at 2:00 PM. You can purchase your tickets for the game here.