Loughborough Lightning sign trio of Roses for 2017

You can read their full press release below:

Former Loughborough University psychology student Joseph returns for her fifth season in Loughborough having shown massive improvement in recent seasons under the coaching of former mid-court internationals Karen Atkinson and Olivia Murphy.

Panagarry relocated to Loughborough last year to join the Lightning family and has also gone from strength to strength, gaining a place in the full-time England programme and earning her first international cap on the recent quad series tour of Australia and New Zealand.

Beth Cobden completes the trio of signings after having a year away from Super League Netball to travel overseas.

Cobden, a former Manchester Thunder player and England U21 International, trained with Lightning last season up until her departure overseas.

The rangy and versatile player was also invited into the England full-time programme in June and started all three quad series matches last month to gain her first three international caps.

Speaking of the signings, Lightning Head Coach Karen Atkinson said:

“I am delighted that we have secured three mid-court players of such a high calibre ahead of the 2017 season. Having worked with all 3 of them to varying degrees over the last few years I cannot speak highly enough of them in terms of their skill level, work ethic and team approach.

“In a season where changes are inevitable, it is fantastic to be able to provide a level of consistency and continuity to the Lightning squad this year and build on the improvements we have made in the last two seasons.

“I’d particularly like to welcome Beth to the franchise. She is no stranger to our environment having trained with us for five months last season.  Although this will be her first time in the Lightning colours, I have no doubt she will add to both our on court performances and off court environment.”