NSW Swifts defeat Melbourne Vixens 55-52

MELBOURNE Vixens coach Julie Hoornweg says critical lapses led to the championship favourite's first loss of the season.

MELBOURNE Vixens coach Julie Hoornweg says critical lapses led to the championship favourite's first loss of the season.

The Vixens' six-game winning streak came to an end when they were beaten 55-52 by a rejuvenated NSW Swifts in Sydney.

The Swifts claimed their fourth straight win, thanks to some outstanding defence from goal keeper and English international Sonia Mkoloma and brilliant shooting from Susan Pratley (31 goals from 34 attempts).

The Vixens held an eight-goal lead over the Swifts at quarter-time, but did not adjust quickly enough to changes made by the home team in the second quarter.

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There was an injury worry for the Vixens when captain Bianca Chatfield, who missed last week's win over the Tactix with a back strain, was forced off in the second quarter and again for the final period.

Hoornweg, however, was confident Chatfield would be fit for next week's home clash with the Northern Mystics.

Outplayed in the second and third quarters, the Vixens lifted in the final quarter, but the damage had already been done.

"Our second and third quarters we let it slip away," Hoornweg said. "We just kept playing the same way (after the Swifts made changes) and you can't do that.

"You can't play two quarters and expect to win, you've got to play four quarters. Swifts are a very good team and we gave them some space to get back into the game and they took it."

Hoornweg said Chatfield had felt tightness in her abdominal muscles and she did not want to risk her.

"It was actually her abs that were tightening up a bit. Sometimes they do that to compensate for the back," Hoornweg said.

"Once they loosened up, she was OK, but once they tightened up the second time, there was no point risking her, we need her for the rest of the season."

After starting on the bench in the first quarter, Mkoloma dominated from the moment she came on in the second term to cause headaches for the Vixens goalers.

Karyn Howarth (25 from 31) had made an impressive start in a 14-goal opening quarter before Mkoloma's arrival in the goal circle made for a more challenging afternoon.

Howarth's shooting partner Tegan Caldwell, coming off a perfect shooting performance against the Tactix last week, finished with 23 goals from 26 attempts.

Madison Browne continued her fine mid-court form for the Vixens with 15 goal assists.

Adelaide Thunderbirds moved above the Vixens on the ladder on percentage after their 60-43 win over West Coast Fever.