Friday 10 May 2019 13:29, UK
Wasps Netball's crunch Vitality Netball Superleague semi-final against Loughborough Lightning will be played at the University of Warwick's new Sports and Wellness Hub.
The two-time champions will take on Sara Bayman's outfit on Saturday, May 11 at the state-of-the-art facility, with the match live on Sky Sports Action and Mix.
The repeat of the last two Grand Finals is much-anticipated, especially after the duo's incredible Round 10 encounter at the Sir David Wallace Arena.
The home side are very familiar with their semi-final venue as it has been the Black and Golds' training base since opening its doors last month.
"We have been training at the University of Warwick over the last three seasons and recently made the transition into their brilliant new centre," said head coach Mel Mansfield.
"Unfortunately, we aren't able to play our semi-final at Ricoh Arena, but we know from first-hand experience that the Sports and Wellness Hub will be a fantastic venue for what is undoubtedly the biggest game of our season so far.
"We've worked hard to get to this point, and we're looking forward to rising to the challenge.
"We can't wait to see the stands packed full of our brilliant fans, waving their flags and roaring us on, as we look to progress to the Grand Final."
Wasps completed the regular season with a 60-45 victory at West Midlands rivals Severn Stars. They took a commanding early lead and kept a lively Stars team at bay throughout the match.
"Stars are a really tough team to play against, so I'm very pleased with a 15-point victory over them." commented Mansfield.
"I tried out a few different combinations today to prepare [for the semi-final]. Defensively, I thought we were brilliant, and I'm really excited by what we are producing at that end of the court.
"We've been working on some through-court defending - all seven players defended really well and I'm pleased with the amount of balls that we won."
Mansfield's side are going in search of an unprecedented third successive Superleague title and completed their season with seven victories in succession.
Semi-final netball does have a different complexion to it. That said, the defending champions are well-versed in what's required, as are their opponents Lightning. Saturday's clash at the University of Warwick's new Sports and Wellness Hub should be an outstanding one.
Watch both of Vitality Netball Superleague semi-finals live on Sky Sports Action and Mix on Saturday, May 11 from 4.45pm. Also, Sky Sports will be showing every game of the 2019 Vitality Netball World Cup in July.
