The Lightning started the match strongly, with goal shooter Sophie O'Shea looking dangerous early on, but some errors at the end of the first quarter allowed Monash to go into

the second quarter with a one-point lead.

The lead was short-lived, however, as Lightning went ahead after some solid play in the second quarter.

Monash responded to keep the scores close until the fourth quarter.

Lightning made a number of unforced errors in the dying stages of the match and gifted Monash a handy five-point win.

"We missed some shots on goal then turned a few of our centre passes over, which changed the game in the final quarter," Lightning coach Joy Grubb said.

"I was quite pleased with my team's performance even though we ended up losing the match."

Brooke Thompson was the team's best player and walked from the court with three judges' votes, while Sophie O'Shea managed 27points and Julia Knott got 17.

"We were missing Kelsey Browne, who is a state representative, through injury and I think we would have done better with her experience in the final few moments," Grubb said.

The Lightning under-19 team suffered the same fate against Monash on Wednesday, losing by 16points.

"They were physically more imposing than our players and we lacked a bit in experience," Grubb said.

"Our younger girls need to strengthen their bodies, but we have a good two years to help them improve."