JUST like last season, the Australian Pork Bendigo Spirit's WNBL championship defence has started with a loss in Townsville.
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The Spirit were beaten 70-67 by the Fire in their grand final rematch on Saturday night.
The Fire outscored the Spirit 18-12 in the final quarter to turn a three-point three quarter-time deficit into a three-point win.
Belinda Snell led led the scoring for the Spirit in her first game for her new club, finishing with a game-high 24 points to go with nine rebounds in 35 minutes.
Kelsey Griffin added 22.
No other player scored more than seven points for the Spirit.
After making the decision on Thursday night to play on for another season, Kristi Harrower scored five points and had four rebounds in 15 minutes on court.
Cayla Francis led the Fire with 22 points off the bench.
The Spirit now has a 2-8 record in games in Townsville.