Sasha Glasgow made a triumphant return to West Coast Fever, leading the injury-hit team to a 68-65 victory over Sunshine Coast Lightning at RAC Arena on Sunday. The goal attack, who missed the 2024 season, scored five super goals and finished with 14 goals and a game-high 26 goal assists.
Fever faced uncertainty without six-time league player of the year Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard, who is absent due to pregnancy. However, Glasgow and veteran goal shooter Romelda Aiken-George (54 goals from 63 attempts) formed an effective partnership, outplaying Lightning's international-class defense.
Despite missing half the team that lost last year's grand final, Fever controlled the game until the final quarter. Lightning mounted a late comeback with 21 goals to 14, including five super goals, but fell short.
Former Fever captain Courtney Bruce struggled, giving away 15 penalties against Aiken-George in less than a half. Fever's injury-hit defense exceeded expectations, with Kadie-Ann Dehaney (five gains, six deflections) and Fran Williams (five gains) disrupting Lightning's attack.
Glasgow caused a scare when she appeared to hurt her left ankle late in the third term but played on despite limping. Young midcourter Jordan Cransberg impressed with 31 feeds and 15 goal assists, often getting the better of Australian captain Liz Watson.
