In a tense affair at Netball SA Stadium, the Firebirds continued to show the improvement they've displayed across the tournament to push a star-studded Lightning all the way before just falling to a 43-41 defeat.
Trailing by three at halftime, the Firebirds won the third quarter 10-9 but couldn't close the margin further despite a gutsy final quarter effort with a last gasp Suncorp Super Shot attempt just missing to deny the Firebirds a share of the spoils in a riveting match.
Ugandan goal shooter Mary Cholhok highlighted her building connection with her new Firebirds teammates with her best performance of the weekend, shooting 24 goals from 26 attempts including two Suncorp Super Shots in a full four-quarter performance.
With Ashlee Barnett rested for the final game of the pre-season tournament, Ruby Bakewell-Doran and Isabelle Shearer shared the defensive responsibilities against the Lightning's experienced duo of Cara Koenen and Steph Fretwell.
Bakewell-Doran recorded five gains including some spectacular interceptions while Shearer also caught the eye with two gains and two deflections.
Macy Gardner was relentless in the midcourt with 15 goal assists, as her connection with Cholhok continues to develop.
Firebirds' co-captain Hulita Veve was also impressive, especially in a tantalising one-on-one battle at times with Australian Diamonds captain Liz Watson.
The game also gave Head Coach Kiri Wills the chance to offer more court time to Queensland Firebirds Futures Academy athlete Jessie Laga'aia, who appeared for the third time this weekend, while training partners Lillyana Rennie and Sasha Flegler made their first appearances of the tournament.
The Firebirds will now turn their attentions to their Suncorp Super Netball season opener against GIANTS Netball at Ken Rosewall Arena from 2pm.
Tickets are also available now from Ticketek for all seven Firebirds home games starting with the visit of the West Coast Fever on Saturday, April 12 at 5pm.
