Loughborough Lightning are ‘on the precipice‘ of a big result that will provide a reward for their effort and endeavour, according to Kathryn Treder.
On four occasions this term, Nathan Smith’s side have scored three tries against teams in the top four and haven’t come away with match points.
The African Violets will seek to end that sequence at home against third-placed Harlequins at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens this Saturday (14 December, kick-off: 3.05pm), and start the second half of the 2024/25 season on a high.
“The analogy we have been using in training is we are like a volcano waiting to erupt, we are on the precipice,” said Treder. “The belief is there that we can beat at top four team, that we are capable of winning those games. The belief is there and the hard work is there.
“We are training really hard, we are putting together a gameplan that really suits our strengths and I think we are so ready.”
Kathryn Treder
After the Quins clash, Lightning travel to Sale Sharks on Saturday 21 December to wrap up their games for 2024, and Treder is hoping a couple of good results will provide a boost heading into the final six league fixtures.
“Coming away with five points each would be really successful and put us in a really good position going into the New Year and hopefully allow us to ride that momentum,” she added. “We are very capable of achieving that, it would really set us up for success.”
The number of American players in the PWR has been on the rise for many years, with Ilona Maher adding to that list following her high-profile signing for Bristol Bears recently.
Treder is in good company at Lightning with fellow Eagles Hallie Taufoou and Bulou Mataitgoa well-established within the squad and Alev Kelter added to that contingent in recent months.
It was a particularly poignant signing for Treder, as Kelter is not only her international teammate but also her fiancée.
“I love my USA teammates and it is great to see them developing,” Kelter said. “The PWR offers really great support for international athletes and also an opportunity to become so much better at the sport that we love. It is really helping our national team improve. Even just getting games, week in and week out, that sort of experience we can build is so amazing and it is really going to set us up for success in the World Cup next year, which is a pinnacle event.
“It is also really nice to have home away from home. I am nine time zones away from my family and that is really challenging. So it is really nice to have familiarity around a new place.
“Having my partner here has made all the difference, it is so much better to spend the day with her instead of catching up on FaceTime late at night or early in the morning. It has made all the difference for my experience.”
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