They can keep winning but it could amount to nothing more than pride.

Even Lightning coach Joy Grubb is questioning if the damage has already been done.

"We've really got our backs to the wall in the next three games," she said.

The Lightning were over the moon to secure a 10-goal win over Geelong Cougars at the State Netball and Hockey Centre on Wednesday night.

Then news filtered through that fifth-ranked North East Blaze had overcome fourth-placed Yarra Valley Grammar Ariels.

It was a buzz kill for the Lightning. "We're a bit disappointed the Blaze won. "We anticipated them losing," Grubb said

The Lightning at least get the chance to close the gap on Ariels this Wednesday.

Problem is they also need the Blaze to start losing games.

The Lightning were slow starters against the Cougars.

That was until wing defence Brooke Thompson began to exert her influence over the contest. "She lifts the whole team with her experience," Grubb said.

"She steadied the ship, put a bit of pressure on their goalers and we had some turnovers to get back in the game. "We only ended up one down at the end of the first quarter which is pleasing because it looked as though it was going to blow out to anything."

The Lightning worked towards their seventh win in 15 outings with a scintillating second half performance.

As Lightning sits four points out of the top-four, all Grubb can do is keep her fingers crossed that results go her team's way. "You go into each game doing the best you can and not worry about the things you can't change."