WITH the 2020 season of the Vitality Netball Superleague now upon us, we take a look at each team heading into a massive year in Superleague netball. The next team in our season preview is Loughborough Lightning.

Coach: Sara Bayman
2019 finish: 4th (13-7)

Loughborough Lightning had an interesting season in 2019, with plenty of high points but also a flurry of frustrating losses in the mix that really shouldn’t have happened. One of the main problems with the Lightning in 2019 was their lack of versatility in the goal circle, and while they had plenty of dominant players in the mix they did not always get used to the best of their ability making the side’s game plan relatively easy to poke holes in. While they finished fourth, after making the finals in past seasons it was definitely a slower season for the side.

2020 predictions:

Lightning will really be one to watch in 2020, with only a few new names entering the fray and retaining a lot of their 2019 starters. With big names across the court, and their new players able to jump on court to have an impact from the get-go, Lightning will hope to go one better and make it to the grand final this year after just missing out last season. With some real clever players in the side like Vicki Oyesola and Ella Clark who can switch up a game in the blink of an eye, Lightning could have a real chance of going further this season with a bit more accountability.

Key player: Mary Cholhok (GS)

Cholhok created real issues for oppositions in 2019, and standing at 201cm tall it is no question why. Her height and overall stature made it a real tough job to beat her when she was on song, though the side suffered from her lack of versatility in the circle once opposition sides began to poke holes in her relatively simple game style. As one of the most relied on players on the court, his season will be a big one for Cholhok if she is able to weather the storm and add to her skillset.

Team list:

Ella Clark
Sam May (Wasps)
Hannah Joseph
Nat Panagarry
Lucy Parize
Annabel Roddy
Jasmin Odeogberin (London Pulse)
Suzie Liverseidge (Surrey Storm)
Alice Harvey
Beth Gabriel
Lauren Nicholls
Jess Shaw
Vicki Oyesola
Mary Cholhok
Hannah Joseph