Spirit's start to a pursuit of a championship hat-trick did not start with a victory, but coach Bernie Harrower said there was a lot to like about the team's play.

Townsville led 20-12 at quarter-time before the Australian Pork-backed Spirit struck back to make it 24-all during the second term.

Led by the play of Belinda Snell and Kelsey Griffin, Spirit held a three-point lead, 55-52, at a quarter to go.

Fire did just that in the early minutes of the final term through the play of Cayla Francis.

In a contest where the lead and momentum swung many times it was Townsville which scored  a 70-67 victory.

"It was a game where we had opportunities to win, but it was Townsville who capitalised better than us," Harrower said.

"We made a slow start, but fought back strongly in the second and third quarters."

Spirit's attack was led by Belinda Snell, 24 points and nine rebounds; and Kelsey Griffen, 22 points and five rebounds.

Maddie Garrick scored seven points as Kristi Harrower and Sara Blicavs added five points apiece.

Young guard Tessa Lavey who played for the Opals in their bronze medal-winning campaign at the world championships in Turkey was in Spirit's starting five.

Townsville's stars were Cayla Francis, 22 points and eight rebounds; Steph Cumming, 12 points; Suzy Batkovic, 11 points and 10 rebounds.  

Bernie Harrower said Spirit's less experienced players such as Lavey, Garrick and Heather Oliver played well.

"Belinda Snell played a superb game," said the long-time coach.

Bendigo won the rebounding duels on Fire's court, 35-34.

After a pre-season in which the full squad was rarely together, Bendigo showed it will be a strong contender.

Spirit is at home for next Saturday's clash with Canberra.

Tip-off is at 3pm at Bendigo Stadium.

A big weekend for Bendigo includes Sunday's away game against Melbourne Boomers.

WNBL first-round results - Melbourne Boomers 62 lt Canberra 69, Dandenong 73 d Melbourne Boomers 51, West Coast 92 d Adelaide 68, Canberra 70 lt Sydney 73.