Villawood Spirit endured their third loss in a week on Tuesday night, this time to the Sydney Flames at the Bendigo Stadium, final scores 72-83.
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After going down to the Townsville Fire and UC Capitals only days ago, the Spirit were eager to get another win to their name.
The Spirit trailed by 15 points at quarter time after a strong offensive push from the Flames which provided the visitors with a buffer heading into the first break.
During the opening minutes of the second quarter the Flames looked as if they were going to continue applying further scoring pressure to leave the Spirit behind.
However, a brave scoring effort from the Spirit saw them outscore their opponents by three points to trail by 12 points at the main break.
With only three points between the teams the opportunity was there for both to get to work in the second half and get a win on the board.
The third quarter saw the Flames' scoreboard control remain in place with the Spirit trailing by 15 points into the final quarter.
Both teams showed pure determination in the final quarter, but the Flames' early scoring efforts proved more than enough to secure the 11-point win.
Spirit coach Tracy York said the slow start during the first quarter was a challenge to overcome throughout the rest of the game.
"It wasn't how we wanted to start the game, but looking at the score-sheet we were then level with them for the rest of the game," York said.
Spirit went into the match already on the back foot as they were without Maddy Garrick who is out of action with an ankle injury, in addition to Tessa Lavey and Leilani Mitchell also not in action.
Megan McKay showed her scoring power with 21 points, four rebounds and four assist to earn herself team MVP.
"We didn't win but we played hard and I am proud of how we played," McKay said after the game.
Anneli Maley contributed 20 points with a mammoth 15 rebounds, followed by Carly Boag with 10 points and seven rebounds who also received coaches award
The Spirit now have five consecutive losses and return to the court on Saturday night at 5pm for a clash against the Perth Lynx in Ballarat.
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