Queensland Firebirds suffer big loss in first game at new stadium

The Queensland Firebirds failed to christen their shiny new stadium with a victory as they suffered a lopsided loss to the Melbourne Vixens on the opening day of the Suncorp #TeamGirls Cup.

The Queensland Firebirds failed to christen their shiny new stadium with a victory as they suffered a lopsided 53-32 loss to the Melbourne Vixens on the opening day of the Suncorp #TeamGirls Cup.

The home side chopped and changed their line-up throughout their first match of the pre-season tournament at the Queensland State Netball Centre on Friday night and were unable to put a dent in the momentum of the methodical Vixens.

The Firebirds were as close as possible to full-strength in the first term and got off to a flyer with the first three goals of the match on the way to a 12-10 buffer at quarter-time.

Already without Caitlyn Nevins (ankle) for the tournament, the Firebirds rested Gretel Tippett and Mahalia Cassidy in the second quarter when the Vixens surged past Queensland to grab a 23-21 lead at halftime.

Romelda Aiken was rested in the third quarter. Picture: Getty Images

Romelda Aiken, captain Gabi Simpson and defender Tara Hinchliffe all took a seat in the third quarter when Melbourne extended their advantage to 41-25 at the last change.

“Definitely not the result we are after,” Simpson said. “What we are looking at is when the pressure comes on and how we respond.

“In that third quarter, one goal turned into 10 goals very quickly. That will be what we look at. It’s not the end of the world. Just something to improve on.’’

The Firebirds will take on the Sunshine Coast Lightning in a Queensland derby at 2pm on Saturday.

For the Lightning, it was a case of “Caitlin Who?” after their 30-26 win over Adelaide.

Ugandan hired gun Peace Proscovia showed why the Sunshine Coast will barely skip a beat with the exit of prolific goalshooter Caitlin Bassett with a matchwinning 15-goal performance against the Thunderbirds.

Peace Proscovia was a stndout for the Sunshine Coast Lightning in their win against Adelaide on Friday night. Picture: AAP

Australian Diamonds captain Bassett was one of the high profile departures from the reigning champion Lightning in the off-season but Proscovia comes with high expectations after starring in the English club competition and last year’s Commonwealth Games.

“Pretty happy with the performance. Yes, there were a few things there that happened but a win is a win and I’m so grateful for that team effort,’’ she said.

“There’s lots of positives in that game that we can go forward from. I feel lucky to play in this league. To get it (the opportunity) means you are doing something great.’’

In other games last night, Collingwood was too good for West Coast with Jamaican Shimona Nelson pouring in 27 goals for a 40-28 win while the Swifts claimed a 47-33 victory over the Giants in the NSW derby but their midcourt star Paige Hadley was forced out of the game with a bad headcut.

DAY 2 SCHEDULE

11am – Swifts v Magpies

12 noon – Giants v Fever

1pm – Vixens v Thunderbirds

2pm – Firebirds v Lightning

5pm – Fever v Swifts

6pm – Giants v Magpies

7pm – Lightning v Vixens

8pm – Firebirds v Thunderbirds