While the result of her 150th game as Head Coach was not one to celebrate, Queensland Firebirds mentor Roselee Jencke is adamant her side learnt valuable lessons from their Suncorp Super Netball second round defeat.
Facing early competition favourites the Melbourne Vixens, the Firebirds displayed periods of significant promise that defied the scoreboard margin.
The Vixens at times ran six internationals on court at Nissan Arena, a difficult assignment for any opposition side to conquer.
Jencke was pragmatic about the result post game, reiterating the need to be patient as her group continues to grow.
“They came up against what is essentially an international line up with a wealth of experience, so we must take those opportunities to learn and improve against some of the best players in the competition,” Jencke said.
“I thought we got out of the blocks well but were our own worst enemy allowing them back in with unforced errors, and until we rectify that we will remain in this position.”
“My job as a coach is to get my players to process a result like that and deal with it in a constructive way, we’ll only get better if we continue to test ourselves.”
Despite the loss there were a number of positives for the home side, with Jemma Mi Mi strong in her return from the injury that forced her out of the season opener, while new Birdies defender Rudi Ellis also impressed in her Queensland Firebirds debut.
Ellis finished the game with 2 rebounds and 4 deflections in an exciting display against international shooters Mwai Kumwenda and Caitlin Thwaites.
Jencke applauded Ellis on her first up performance.
“I was really pleased with how Rudi came on in her first game, she was intimidating over the shot and created some headaches, so I was really happy for her.”
The Firebirds face their first short turnaround of the condensed 2020 Suncorp Super Netball season as their focus turns to Tuesday night's game against Magpies Netball at Nissan Arena.
