Worcester Wolves 35-57 Loughborough Lightning

Sunday 7^th May

By Ria Kaur

The last game of the regular season ended in defeat for the Worcester Wolves as they took on Loughborough Lightning in a game that ended 35-57. Not only was this the Last game of the season for Wolves but was also captain Sarah Hopes last game for Worcester Wolves as she heads into retirement.

The game was opened by Loughborough’s Anna Blease with a two-point shot and was quickly responded with two points from Worcester’s Jade Loughlin. Loughborough remained active with the ball, especially Lucy Robinson who scored 10 points in the quarter. Wolves looked to strengthen their defence to restrict Lightning but also need to pick up their offensive play to maintain a good score. The quarter ended 13-18 with Wolves trailing by 5.

Loughborough continued to lead the second quarter whist Worcester struggled to find an offensive rhythm. The only points for the Wolves came from Niamh Horan who picked up 5 points.  Wolves were able to apply defensive pressure onto Loughborough, however it was not enough to stop them from increasing their lead. The quarter ended 18-32 with Wolves trailing by 14.

The score at half time was 18-32.

The third quarter was vital for Worcester as they were looking to close the gap between the scores. But Loughborough’s Lucy Robinson scored a quick 5 points in the beginning of the quarter taking the score further away from the Wolves. Worcester was able to pick up the pace later in the quarter with two shots from Sarah Hope and a shot from Kyla Bell, but Loughborough still raced ahead of Wolves. The quarter ended 27-45, with Wolves trailing by 18

Loughborough continued to soar ahead into the last quarter, creating more work for the Wolves to do. The lead had increased to 23, the score now 29-52. Despite Worcester bringing the trail down to 17 during the quarter Loughborough was not done and maintained their shooting until the end. The game ended 35-57.

The highest scorer of the game was Loughborough’s Lucy Robinson with 21 points and Madison Martin with 14, followed by Worcester’s Ellan Fraser, Sarah Hope and Niamh Horan who all gained 7 points.