The Exciting Conclusion of Super Netball Round Three
The last two games of Super Netball round three have concluded, with teams showcasing their skills and determination on the court. The league hosted a split round across the Easter and ANZAC weekends, providing fans with thrilling matches and unforgettable moments.
Sunshine Coast Lightning Shines Bright
On Saturday, the Sunshine Coast Lightning continued their dominance over the Firebirds in the Queensland derby, securing a 64-50 victory. This marks six straight wins for the Lightning against their state rivals and 13 wins in their total 18 meetings throughout the history of the league.
Special guest Robert Irwin added excitement to the night at UniSC, attending his first Super Netball game. The crowd was sent into a frenzy by his presence, but the spotlight soon shifted to Cara Koenen. As the goal shooter celebrated her 100th milestone game, she sunk her first super shot in two years, capturing the hearts of fans.
West Coast Fever Triumphs Over Melbourne Vixens
On Sunday, the West Coast Fever secured their first victory of the season by defeating the Melbourne Vixens on their home court at John Cain Arena with a score of 67-57. All eyes were on Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard as she returned to the court after a heartbreaking miscarriage in January.
Despite missing the entire pre-season, the Jamaican player’s impact was immediate as she delivered a stellar performance and was named Player of the Match. The comeback of Fowler-Nembhard added a new level of excitement and energy to the Fever team.
Fowler-Nembhard’s Inspiring Comeback
The highlight of round three was undoubtedly the return of Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard. Originally planning to sit out the 2025 season on maternity leave, she tragically lost her baby in January. However, she made a strong comeback, showcasing her resilience and skill on the court.
Despite the challenges faced by the Fever team in the early weeks of the season, Fowler-Nembhard’s return brought a renewed sense of hope and determination to the players and fans. Her performance, scoring 59 goals at 97% accuracy, was a testament to her talent and dedication.
Key Highlights and Takeaways
- The Fever struggled in the first two weeks of the season but found success with Fowler-Nembhard’s return.
- Defender Ruth Aryang’s injury was a setback for the team, but her sister Sunday is expected to return soon.
- Coach Dan Ryan praised Fowler-Nembhard’s resilience and leadership, highlighting the positive impact she has on the team.
Overall, the return of Fowler-Nembhard and the Fever’s victory over the Vixens showcased the competitive spirit and talent present in Super Netball, setting the stage for an exciting and unpredictable season ahead.
Conclusion
Super Netball round three provided fans with thrilling matches, emotional moments, and inspiring comebacks. The league continues to showcase the best of Australian netball talent, with players like Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard leading the way with their skill and determination. As the season progresses, fans can expect more excitement, surprises, and fierce competition on the court.
FAQ
What was the outcome of the Sunshine Coast Lightning vs. Firebirds match?
The Sunshine Coast Lightning secured a 64-50 victory over the Firebirds, continuing their dominance in the Queensland derby.
Who was the standout player in the West Coast Fever vs. Melbourne Vixens match?
Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard made a remarkable comeback and was named Player of the Match for her stellar performance in leading the Fever to victory over the Vixens.
## Cara Koenen’s Super Shot Redemption
As the Fever pair smothered Vixens wing attack Hannah Mundy and broke the link in the opposition’s front line to create opportunities for Dehaney to have a crack at loose ball.
Now Fowler-Nembhard is back, replacement player Mwai Kumwenda has been relegated to a training partner and is expected to hit the court for the Fever in Super Netball Reserves.
The only question remaining is what is Ryan’s succession plan for the future?
If Fowler-Nembhard was to try for a baby again at the end of this season, then in 2026 they’d likely find themselves back in the same sinking ship.
### Koenen’s First Super Shot in Two Years
There has been a lot said about Cara Koenen and the super shot.
Even Koenen herself conceded in the opening round that she knew she needed to start putting up the two pointers or she’d become redundant in the game.
As the Lightning’s third shooter Reilley Batcheldor also becomes more prolific in that area, pushing for increased court time, there is an ongoing battle between these two as to who gets to partner captain Steph Fretwell in the circle.
But on the weekend, in her 100th Super Netball appearance — all as a one club player — Koenen slotted two super shots in the final minute to shrug off the criticism. Her fist pump and beaming expression let us know exactly how she felt about it too.
It’s been interesting to see how she has struggled with this rule innovation over the course of its six-year existence in Super Netball.
The league introduced the two-point shot to be played in the last five minutes of each quarter ahead of the COVID-delayed 2020 season.
It was not a popular decision and back then, other countries openly mocked it — querying how it would impact the world number one Aussie Diamonds team.
Now it seems they’ve changed their minds. As the UK Super League, New Zealand Premiership, and South African League all incorporate their own version of a two-point shot for 2025.
#### Koenen’s Super Shot Performance Over the Years
– **2020**: 4/12, 30% accuracy
– **2021**: 5/14, 36% accuracy
– **2022**: 1/6, 16% accuracy
– **2023**: 2/5, 80% accuracy
– **2024**: 0/1, 0% accuracy
– **2025**: 2/3, 67% accuracy
But back to Koenen … In the first two years, she seemed happy to put up a long shot, even if it hampered her overall accuracy. Then over the past three seasons, that confidence dramatically dropped off as she developed a bit of a mental block.
It was frustrating for Lightning fans, as Koenen was often spotted nailing them in the warm-ups and spoke about how she was really trying to work on that element of her game. Despite her intentions, it appeared the pressure would become too much in an actual live match scenario.
Hopefully this performance now gives her the belief in her ability to shoot from the white arc.
Koenen’s first two outings this season haven’t shown her best form, and it definitely felt like this result, spurred on by the Queensland rivalry, has helped to steer the shooter and her team back on track.
“Credit to the team around me, as well as the coaching staff and my other shooters, because I feel their unwavering support whenever I get myself into that two-point zone,” Koenen said.
“It’s definitely been a new challenge that I’m trying to take on more … at the end of this game, the pressure was off, so it was a good little confidence boost.”
According to Koenen, the club moved “heaven and earth” to get her parents to the game from Magnetic Island, despite some health issues. Koenen plans to gift her playing dress, which has the 100-milestone printed on the shoulder, to her mum and dad as a thank you for their support.
Mahalia Cassidy also celebrated her 100th Super Netball appearance alongside Cara. Which was a nice coincidence, as they celebrated their 50th appearance together back in 2021 too.
“To be able to share this milestone with Mahalia is really special,” Koenen said.
“She’s been a big part of my journey and is such a tenacious attacker and defender on court, with so much heart and soul off it.”
## Conclusion
Cara Koenen’s redemption with two super shots in her 100th Super Netball appearance showcases her resilience and determination to excel in the face of challenges. As the Super Netball league continues to evolve with rule innovations like the two-point shot, players like Koenen adapt and thrive, setting new standards for the game.
## FAQ
**Q: How has Cara Koenen’s performance with super shots evolved over the years?**
A: Cara Koenen’s accuracy with super shots has varied, with a notable improvement in the 2023 season where she achieved an impressive 80% accuracy.
**Q: What impact has the introduction of the two-point shot had on the Super Netball league?**
A: The introduction of the two-point shot has sparked debate and adaptation in the league, with other countries following suit and incorporating similar rules in their competitions. **Title: The Rise of E-Commerce Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic**
**Introduction:**
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about unprecedented changes in consumer behavior, with more people turning to online shopping as a safer and more convenient way to make purchases. The rise of e-commerce has been accelerated by the global health crisis, leading to significant shifts in the retail landscape. In this article, we will explore the impact of the pandemic on e-commerce, the key trends shaping the industry, and what the future holds for online retail.
**The Impact of COVID-19 on E-Commerce**
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many brick-and-mortar retailers to close their doors, prompting consumers to shift their shopping habits online. This surge in e-commerce activity has been driven by several factors, including:
– Social distancing measures that have limited in-person shopping opportunities
– Fear of exposure to the virus in crowded spaces
– Increased reliance on digital platforms for everyday needs
As a result, e-commerce sales have experienced explosive growth during the pandemic, with online retailers seeing a surge in demand for essential items such as groceries, personal care products, and home office supplies.
**Key Trends Shaping the E-Commerce Industry**
Several key trends have emerged in the e-commerce industry as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. These trends are likely to have a lasting impact on the way consumers shop and how retailers operate in the future:
1. **Contactless Delivery:** With safety concerns top of mind, consumers are increasingly opting for contactless delivery options to minimize physical contact with delivery personnel.
2. **Curbside Pickup:** Many retailers have introduced curbside pickup services to accommodate customers who prefer to collect their orders without entering a store.
3. **Personalization:** E-commerce platforms are leveraging data analytics and artificial intelligence to personalize the shopping experience for customers, offering tailored product recommendations and promotions.
4. **Sustainability:** Consumers are becoming more conscious of the environmental impact of their shopping habits, leading to a growing demand for eco-friendly products and packaging in e-commerce.
**The Future of E-Commerce Post-Pandemic**
While the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the growth of e-commerce, its long-term impact on the industry remains to be seen. Experts predict that several trends will continue to shape the e-commerce landscape in the post-pandemic era:
– Increased competition among e-commerce platforms as more retailers pivot to online sales
– Continued focus on convenience, speed, and safety in the shopping experience
– Greater adoption of mobile shopping and social commerce
– Expansion of online marketplaces and subscription services
As e-commerce continues to evolve, retailers will need to adapt to changing consumer preferences and behaviors to thrive in the digital age.
**Conclusion:**
The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed the e-commerce industry, ushering in a new era of online shopping that is likely to endure long after the crisis subsides. As consumers embrace the convenience and safety of e-commerce, retailers must innovate and adapt to meet the evolving demands of the digital marketplace. By staying ahead of key trends and leveraging technology to enhance the shopping experience, businesses can position themselves for success in the post-pandemic world.
**FAQs:**
1. How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted e-commerce?
The COVID-19 pandemic has driven a surge in e-commerce activity as consumers turn to online shopping for convenience and safety.
2. What are some key trends shaping the e-commerce industry?
Key trends in the e-commerce industry include contactless delivery, curbside pickup, personalization, and sustainability.
3. What does the future hold for e-commerce post-pandemic?
Experts predict that e-commerce will continue to grow, with increased competition, focus on convenience and safety, and expansion of online marketplaces.