Match Preview: Severn Stars host the unbeaten Saracens Mavericks as the Stars look to bounce back after defeat in the Vitality Netball Superleague

Severn Stars return to the University of Worcester Arena on Sunday, February 20 as they face a tough Saracens Mavericks side.

The Stars will see the return of their fans at home after a season-long absence due to COVID 19 restrictions.

Melissa Bessell’s side will face the Mavericks who are currently unbeaten after three wins from three this season.

The Mavericks have faced Wasps, Celtic Dragons and London Pulse already this season but have demonstrated their strength and force after scoring a total of 172 goals.

Three out of three wins see the Mavericks placed in second place only behind Manchester Thunder on goal difference.

Bessell and her side will be looking to cause an upset over the Mavericks and will be looking to put an end to their 100% record.

The Stars will be looking to bounce back after two consecutive losses over Thunder and Wasps but have displayed positive performances throughout.

17-year-old Isabelle Eaton has been a standout for the Stars after breaking into the first team following a season as their training partner last season.

Her partnership with goal attack Paige Reed has been vital for the Stars and has provided Bessell with options after new signing Catherine Tuivaiti has been absent in the team.

Stars head coach Bessell stuck with the same starting seven in the opening two fixtures however, with the squad depth and quality, she was able to rotate in last week’s game.

After starting as a substitute against Wasps, Eaton was influential when returning to the court and has provided her coach with a selection headache.

Bethan Dyke also made her long-awaited return to the court after her 2021 season was cut short following an ACL injury so will be looking to feature once again.

After back-to-back starts, Summer Artman and Lucy Herdman will look to continue building their strong partnership.

Mavericks head coach Kathryn Ratnapala has stuck with her attacking trio of Ine-Mari Venter, Kadeen Corbin, and Sasha Corbin for all three games but may look to rotate.

Gabby Marshall, Razia Quashie and Jodie Gibson all started in defensive for round one but were rotated for game two however the trio returned for their recent tie against Pulse.

Both sides have demonstrated the quality and strength through their squad depth and have shown the importance of substitutes which could be crucial in this fixture.

The game will take place at 15:00 on Sunday, February 20 at the University of Worcester Arena.