Playing in the opening fixture of the Suncorp Super Netball First Nations Round, the Firebirds took to the court in an eye-catching dress featuring original artwork by Mayi-Kulan and Kalkadoon woman Leah Cummins.
Adding to the spice of the occasion, the match was the first leg in this year's Queensland Cup contest, with the Lightning holding the trophy after their Round 14 win last season.
Seeking a first win in five matches, the Firebirds opened up an early lead over the Lightning in a bright start but some late Suncorp Super Shots from Lightning captain Steph Fretwell meant the hosts held at six goal lead at the first break.
The Firebirds fought back to win the second quarter 18-16 with an inspirational two-pointer by Noongar woman Donnell Wallam giving her teammates some much-needed momentum heading into the halftime break down by four points.
Unfortunately some costly turnovers in the third term handed the advantage back to the Lightning in the third quarter and they seized control of the game, opening up an 11-point lead on the back of some great defensive work by former Firebirds training partner Ash Ervin.
The Firebirds went on the hunt for two-pointers in the dying minutes of the final quarter in an attempt to reel in the margin but could only share the fourth quarter 17-all to fall to a sixth defeat of the season.
It's back home for the Firebirds in Round 8 as they host the Adelaide Thunderbirds.
All Firebirds home games for the 2024 season are now on sale via Ticketek and every Firebirds match is also live and on demand on Kayo Sports and Foxtel.
