Malawi netball export Joyce Mvula on Monday inspired Manchester Thunder to a 100 percent record finish in the United Kingdom Vitality Superleague following a 71-63 triumph over Loughborough Lighting.
She also bagged the Gilbert Player of the Match Award.
Even after missing 15 minutes of play due to an injury, the 28-year-old top-scored with 39 baskets to help Thunder complete the league’s regular season with 20-straight wins.
Her individual brilliance made Thunder the only unbeaten team in the league as well as improving her stand on the scorers’ chart to second with 707 baskets.
Ugandan shooter Peace Priscovia of Surrey Storm leads the pack with 853 baskets while London Pulse’s Assaindey Olivia Tchine has dropped to third with 686 baskets.
The latest victory means Thunder, who already qualified for the play-offs with games to spare, will get into this Friday’s semi-final against Team Bath with a spring in their step.
However, Mvula said the job is not done yet.
“This is an awesome achievement for us. In spite of that, we know we have a bigger task ahead this Friday and we are determined not to be complacent,” she said.
Meanwhile, her compatriot Towera Vinkhumbo-Nyirenda’s team Strathclyde Sirens have squeezed into the top-eight on better goal difference to earn a ticket into the Fast5 Championship. They are tied with Wasps at 21 points.
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