Lightning set to strike again

Posted on August 19, 2008, 5:05pm

It’s now official the Adelaide Lightning will return to Mount Gambier later this year.

The defending WNBL champions are playing a regular season match at the Icehouse, as part of the 2008/09 season, on November 1 against Bendigo.

Last season the team played two games at the Mount Gambier stadium and Lightning CEO Carla Boyd told The Border Watch yesterday the team looked forward to returning to the South East.

Adelaide Lightning “It was absolutely fantastic last season,” Boyd said.

“We were very happy with the support we got from Mount Gambier people and Basketball Mount Gambier.”

The Border Watch reported exclusively on May 28 that the Lightning had indicated in the first draft of the WNBL draw that it would be returning to Mount Gambier.

Official confirmation did not come until the draw for the 2008/09 WNBL season was released on Monday.

“I think it will be great being back at the stadium,” Boyd said.

“It certainly has a different feel to the Dome because it’s so small and you can really feel the crowds support.”

Boyd said the players and coaching staff were also happy with the facilities, floor and rings.

The Lightning officially started its pre-season preparations for the coming season on August 11.

The players are currently doing on court training together each Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, individual exercises and shooting each Monday, Tuesday and Friday and fitness work each day.

The new look Lightning team is vastly different to the championship winners of a season ago.

Just six players involved with last season’s premiership have returned, but Australian under age players Cayla Francis and Mia Newley have joined the group, as has Marita Payne from Melbourne.

Boyd is excited with the group that has been assembled.

“I’m very confident we can do well again,” Boyd said.

“We’ve got a great group of girls and I think the girls that we’ve brought in have fitted in well.

“They might not have the international experience of the players we’ve lost, but they’ve played a lot of ABA.”

Coach Vicki Valk has also been impressed with the group as it comes together more and more as the season nears.

“I am very happy with the team we have put together for this up and coming WNBL season,” Valk said.

“We have been successful in bringing Cayla and Mia home and also have included some CABL players and we feel the new girls will be a nice mix with past years returnees.

“Our aim is to keep our tradition of never missing a final series.

“Then we are closer to our goal of back-to-back championships”.

The complete Lightning squad includes - Cayla Francis, Mia Newley, Rebecca Duke, Marita Payne, Samantha Woosnam, Emily Fryters, Angela Marino, Monique Bowley, Amanda Williams, Kerrin Truslove, Tracy Gahan and Jessica Foley.

The side opens its season on the road against Sydney Uni on October 3.

ADAM BLOM

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