An impressive Player of the Match performance by star Sunshine Girls goal-shooter Shimona Nelson-Jok lifted debutantes Melbourne Mavericks to a 69-62 victory over the Queensland Firebirds to close out the action in round 6 in the Suncorp Super Netball League in Australia.

Nelson-Jok, who joined during the off-season, led the team offensively with a season-high 50 goals from 55 attempts while also grabbing 3 rebounds.

Her display was particularly impressive, as she maintained her intensity throughout all four quarters. She accumulated an impressive 91.5 Nissan Net Points powered by e-power and showcased remarkable shooting accuracy, hitting 91 per cent 52/57 of her shots throughout the match.

“It means a lot to us- after last week’s game, we went back to training with a hard definition of what we want to do and how we want to represent out there on court,” Nelson-Jok, said post-match. 

“Going harder at training and not taking any shortcuts, I think that’s how we delivered out here today.”

It paved the way for a 19-13 lead at the end of the first quarter, a 37-27 advantage at half time and a 52-41 lead at the conclusion of the third period before they were outscored 21-17 in the final quarter on-route to winning by 7 goals.

The Mavericks with the result recorded their second win of their debut season and are now in 6th place on 8 points – the same as the Sunshine Coast Lightning who are 5th by virtue of a superior goal percentage.

Top spot is occupied by the West Coast Fever – which Includes Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard, Shanice Beckford and Kadie-Ann Dehaney – on maximum 24 points from 6 games.

In second place are the Melbourne Vixens on 20 points with defending champions Adelaide Thunderbirds third on 16.