The Firebirds were caught cold in the opening quarter as the Fever hit the court at Netball SA Stadium with a fast start, opening up a 17-8 lead at the first break.
From there Kiri Wills' team was unable to bridge the gap despite improved performances with every quarter to go down by 15 in their opening match of the pre-season tournament.
Coach Wills rotated through 11 of her selected 12 players with new faces Mary Cholhok, Imogen Allison and Ashlee Barnett all getting on court in purple.
Ugandan international Cholhok scored 17 points including her first Suncorp Super Shot while Allison, playing across multiple midcourt roles, picked up six goal assists and three deflections.
Co-captain Ruby Bakewell-Doran led the way at the back with six deflections while Barnett grew into the game, forcing three turnovers in the final quarter as the Firebirds held on to share the spoils 10-all in the final term.
Wills and her players will be out to bounce back on Saturday with two games to play, against the Melbourne Vixens and defending Team Girls Cup champions NSW Swifts.
All Suncorp Team Girls Cup matches will be broadcast live on Kayo Sports and Foxtel, plus for the first time, now on Binge.
