Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard’s West Coast Fever are now one step closer to securing a spot in the Suncorp Super Netball League finals, thanks to an outstanding 67-goal performance from their star player.
Fowler-Nembhard’s exceptional play led the Fever to a 72-62 victory in the netball preliminary final against the Sunshine Coast Lightning on Sunday.
The Fever’s triumph sets up a crucial face-off against the Melbourne Vixens, with the winner earning the right to challenge the Adelaide Thunderbirds in the grand final. The Thunderbirds, featuring three Jamaicans—Shamera Sterling-Humphrey, the regular season MVP Latanya Wilson, and veteran goal shooter Romelda Aiken-George—advanced to the grand final with a decisive 68-43 win over the Vixens in the semi-final.
During Sunday’s match, the Fever struggled to pull ahead until late in the third quarter when Fowler-Nembhard took control, overwhelming Lightning defender Courtney Bruce. Fowler-Nembhard’s dominance forced the Lightning to attempt three different match-ups, all to no avail. Her 67 goals from 69 attempts earned her MVP honors for the match.
Face the Melbourne Vixens on Saturday
The Fever will now face the Melbourne Vixens on Saturday, vying for a spot in their seventh final in the past eight years. This upcoming match promises to be a thrilling contest as both teams aim to reach the grand final.
In the semi-final, Shamera Sterling-Humphrey made history by becoming the first player in the Suncorp Super Netball League to achieve 300 intercepts. Sterling-Humphrey was in stellar form, finishing the match with an impressive 14 gains, eight rebounds, and six deflections. Reflecting on her performance, she said in a Fox interview, “I feel like my game is definitely getting better. I just think that I can tidy up on a bit more, and I can start finding new strengths.”
As the Fever prepare for their critical match against the Vixens, the team will look to Fowler-Nembhard’s remarkable skills and leadership to propel them into the grand final and a chance to reclaim the championship.
