Benchmark side the NSW Swifts had held a gaping 10-point competition lead over the second-placed Lightning, heading into Saturday afternoon's round-nine clash at USC Stadium on the Sunshine Coast.

Victory by the two-time defending champions has kept the Swifts within reach and delivers a crippling blow to the sixth-placed Fever's finals hopes.

Shooting pair Peace Proscovia (44 goals) and Steph Wood (21) were dominant but the home side had winners everywhere.

Wing attack Laura Scherian, one of the shortest players on the court, towered over her rivals as she weaved through the Fever defence on her way to a game-high 43 feeds.

The umpires set the early scene by handing a caution to Fever defender Shannon Eagland for deliberate contact and keeping the players honest with some strict held-ball calls.

That made life tough for the Fever's midcourt who needed to shift possession quickly or risk being swamped by the Lightning's disciplined defence.

Every time the Lightning threatened to race away with the contest, the visitors found a way to claw back.

Sunshine Coast led by up to four goals during the first half but greater involvement from Fever goaler Kaylia Stanton kept her side in touch.

Stanton confidently took a string of outside shots while her circle partner Jhaniele Fowler was double-teamed.

The Lightning's patience was rewarded when they took charge in the third quarter.

New Zealand international Laura Langman flashed into prominence with three intercepts for the quarter.

Her exuberance spread throughout the Lightning camp, with defensive duo Phumza Maweni and Karla Pretorius poaching a combined three gains between them to help break open what had been a tight contest.

Australian Associated Press