"The players were obviously disappointed to have lost to Manchester Thunder in a semi-final that could have gone either way but they applied themselves brilliantly in training all week and really wanted that win."
Monday 20 May 2019 16:00, UK
Team Bath coach Anna Stembridge praised her side's passion and determination as they defeated Loughborough Lightning to secure a third place finish in the Vitality Superleague on Saturday.
The Blue and Gold produced a sublime second-half comeback which saw them turn a five-goal deficit into a six-goal winning margin, as they prevailed 62-56 at London's Copper Box Arena in the third-placed play-off.
Team Bath were narrowly beaten by eventual champions Manchester Thunder 57-54 in the semi-finals, but they finished their campaign with a flourish to bag bronze medals for the first time since 2016.
It was also a fitting farewell for the departing Jess Thirlby, who has won five Superleague titles in her 20-year spell at Team Bath as both a player and coach.
"It was great to finish on a winning note and exactly what this group of players deserved for their efforts this season, Jess [Thirlby] and I are really proud of them," said Stembridge.
"The players were obviously disappointed to have lost to Manchester Thunder in a semi-final that could have gone either way but they applied themselves brilliantly in training all week and really wanted that win.
"They have shown real passion, grit and determination throughout the season and that ability and belief to come from behind to win has been a massive step forward compared to recent years. It was a fitting way to finish a very good season."
The five-time Superleague winners trailed 30-25 at the interval and were forced into an early change when co-captain Eboni Usoro-Brown picked up a knock and was replaced by Welsh international Leila Thomas.
However, Team Bath produced a stirring second-half display and netted 19 times in the final quarter to defeat Loughborough for a third time this season.
"At half-time we asked the players if they were sticking to the game plan and they weren't," said Stembridge.
"They did so in the second half and what we saw was their ability to keep calm under pressure and be more clinical in attack.
"It was a very pleasing performance all round, particularly after losing Eboni's influence so early in the game. Leila came in and did a brilliant job and Summer [Artman] was just outstanding right from the off.
It was a day of celebration for Bath, as goal attack Sophie Drakeford-Lewis was named as Vitality Superleague Young Player of the Year, whilst co-captain Serena Guthrie was selected at centre in the Superleague All-Star VII for 2019.
Stembridge highlighted the strong partnerships that have been built throughout the season, but she also paid tribute to the depth throughout their squad.
"Sophie [Drakeford-Lewis] and Kim [Commane] have formed a formidable partnership, as have Imo [Allison] and Serena [Guthrie].
"Rachel [Shaw] was an unsung hero once again - you know she will deliver week in, week out and you come to expect it but her work in both attack and defence is remarkable.
"All of the squad have contributed this season and those bronze medals were well deserved."
Watch live coverage of the Vitality Roses squad announcement on Thursday live on Sky Sports News while every match of the 2019 Vitality Netball World Cup is live on Sky Sports from Friday, July 12
