After a lopsided loss to the West Coast Fever in Friday's opening encounter at the Netball SA Stadium, there was lots for fans to take away from Saturday's games despite a nine-point defeat to the Vixens and a four-point reverse against the Swifts.
Playing in stifling heat amid on a scorching Adelaide day, the Firebirds first clash against the Vixens started in a similar fashion to the opening night's game against the Fever with Melbourne quickly opening up a big lead.
Despite being unable to claw back the disadvantage, the Firebirds didn't throw in the towel and a late flurry of Suncorp Super Shots by Mary Cholhok and Abigail Latu-Meafou ensured a 13-6 win in the fourth quarter to finish the game with something to build on heading into the clash with the Swifts.
The game was also a special one for Queensland Firebirds Future Academy member Jessie Laga'aia, who came on to make her first appearance in the Firebirds purple and ended the match with 18 minutes of court time under her belt.
Saturday's second game was a much tighter affair with both teams trading blows and goals before a flurry of Helen Housby two-pointers in the third quarter gave the Swifts a four-point advantage heading into the third quarter.
Despite young defender Ashlee Barnett standing tall against Swifts star recruit Grace Nweke and a midcourt of Imogen Allison, Macy Gardner and Lara Dunkley fighting for every ball the Firebirds just couldn't hit the mark from two-point range to close the gap with the Swifts holding onto their margin to take the win.
The Firebirds will conclude their Team Girls Cup campaign on Sunday with a Queensland derby against Sunshine Coast Lightning from 1pm (1230 AEST).
All Suncorp Team Girls Cup matches will be broadcast live on Kayo Sports and Foxtel, plus for the first time, now on Binge.
