Making just her second Suncorp Super Netball appearance, Sandholt led the way for the hosts with 30 points as the Thunderbirds claimed a 73-46 victory at Nissan Arena.
Introduced in the opening quarter, the 21-year-old shooter ended the game with 24 goals from 26 attempts including six Suncorp Super Shots.
Having debuted in last year's season finale against NSW Swifts, Sandholt's performance stood out on a day where the Firebirds struggled against the high-flying Thunderbirds - who continued their 100 per cent start to the season with the 27-goal win.
Lara Dunkley (10 goal assists, 29 feeds) also battled hard in the midcourt while defensive duo Isabelle Shearer and Kelly Jackson stood tall at the back.
Shearer ended with three gains, two intercepts and three deflections while Jackson had four gains, two intercepts and five deflections.
Their efforts were however dwarfed by Thunderbirds star defender Shamera Sterling-Humphrey, who claimed a whopping 13 gains as the visitors won all four quarters in a comprehensive display to deservedly claim player of the match honours.
"It's frustrating," Firebirds Head Coach Kiri Wills said.
"There'll be a few sleepless nights for all of us.
"It's about picking ourselves up. We have an opportunity next week against the Giants but we're not going to win any games if we play like that and we know that."
The Firebirds will now aim to bounce back as they hit the road for back-to-back away matches, taking on GIANTS Netball at Ken Rosewall Arena on Easter Saturday before a Round 5 trip to Perth to face the West Coast Fever on Sunday, April 12.
