REIGNING Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL) premiers Loughborough Lightning are predicted to be up there at the pointy end once again. The Lightning have brought in a star defender, and have international talents across all thirds, ready to make their mark on another year of VNSL action.

>> VNSL 2022 Team preview: Loughborough Lightning

2022 SQUAD:

DEFENDERS:

Ella Bowen (GD/GK)
Alice Harvey (GK)
Jess Haynes (GD/GK)
Zanele Vimbela (GD/GK)
Fran Williams (GD/GK/WD)

MIDCOURT:

Georgie Brock-Taylor (C/WA)
Beth Cobden (C/WD)
Hannah Joseph (C/WA)
Suzie Liverseidge (C/GA/WA)
Natalie Panagarry (C/WD)
Hannah Williams (C/WA)

SHOOTERS:

Mary Cholhok (GS)
Ella Clark (GA/GS)
Clara Miles (GA/GS)
Emma Thacker (GA/GS)

The Lightning managed to recruit star defender Williams into the fray to stack up a pretty impressive lineup already. Boasting a number of talented young and rising Roses, as well as some experienced ones, the Lightning have a nice balance in each third of the court. The defensive combination of Williams and Vimbela will be one to watch, and with Cholhok as the high-volume shooter, look out.

FIXTURES:

R1: vs. London Pulse
R2: vs. Leeds Rhinos
R3: vs. Celtic Dragons
R4: vs. Surrey Storm
R5: vs. Strathclyde Sirens
R6: vs. Saracens Mavericks
R8: vs. Wasps Netball
R8: vs. Team Bath
R9: vs. Severn Stars
R10: vs. Manchester Thunder
R11: vs. London Pulse
R11: vs. Leeds Rhinos
R13: vs. Surrey Storm
R14: vs. Celtic Dragons
R15: vs. Strathclyde Sirens
R16: vs. Saracens Mavericks
R17: vs. Team Bath
R18: vs. Wasps Netball
R19: vs. Severn Stars
R20: vs. Manchester Thunder

LAST SEASON: 1st (17-3)

THIS SEASON:

It looms as another strong season for the Lightning who will be hoping to go back-to-back for the 2022 season. They have an impressive list with plenty of talent, and one that will take them far. Given the international experience and balance across the court, it is difficult not to see the Lightning at least in another finals series again.