Sunshine Coast Lightning's Caitlin Bassett stars in crushing Queensland Firebirds

Goal shooter supreme Caitlin Bassett was surprised before the game and embarrassed after it but she produced another near-perfect display as Sunshine Coast Lightning kept their Super Netball title charge humming.

The national team star made 45 of her 47 shots as the Lightning downed state rivals Queensland Firebirds 60-49 to remain within one point of competition leaders the Giants, the only team to have beaten them.

Bassett revealed she was asked if she was a volunteer after arriving for the game.

'I told her I am a volunteer who shoots lots of goals in games," said Bassett with a laugh.

Her performance on court earned her a fourth straight player of the match award, something she felt could easily have gone to one of her superstar teammates, captain and England defender Geva Mentor or Kiwi midcourter Laura Langman.

"I do feel (a little embarrassed). I thought Geva (Mentor) did an amazing job and Laura Langman on wing defence did a fantastic job for us as well," she said.

When the Lightning debuted in round one against the Firebirds in February they squandered a three-goal lead into the last quarter, drawing the historic clash 56-all.

But with Bassett (11/11) and Stephanie Wood (2/2) producing the perfect opening quarter on Sunday the Lightning grabbed a 15-12 lead which they never surrendered.

Wood made some tough goals for her 15 from 18.

The closest the Firebirds got to their opposition was early in the third quarter when they closed to 31-30.

Mentor showed why she is one of the world's best defenders. continually frustrating Firebirds star shooter Romelda Aiken (30 from 42) who was out-of-sorts in her first game back from injury.