Despite stretching the advantage to more than double figures during the clash, clutch free-throws by Kate Bellamy sealed the 59-58 victory.

“Overall it probably wasn't a great reflection of what our team is capable of,” Tigers captain Olivia Patterson said.

“In the first quarter we didn't come out with a great start but once the nervous were gone, we came out strong and showed what we can do.

“We used our pace and size well both offensively and defensively and that put us on the front foot but after that, we became quite complacent and probably made it harder for ourselves then what it needed it to be.

“But first game out, learning to play with one another and we showed determination, we didn't give up and we got the win.”

Bellamy, in her first game back in the black and gold colours for more than seven years led all scorers with 22 points, while star guard Kate Denyar finished with 12, to get the Tigers’ season off to a winning start

“It's a great way to start the season - everything might not have all gone to plan and been perfect but we showed heart and got there in the end,” Patterson said.

“We can only continue to grow as a team and as we have more time and games together we can only continue to improve and keep going forward.”

While it was the guards that did the bulk of the scoring load, Patterson singled out a number of other players that contributed to the victory.

“Everyone in our team I think did a great job considering it was our first hit out as a team,” she said.

“For a couple of people, such as Kate Bellamy, Hannah Ryan and Ashleigh Waters, it was their first time back in Shoalhaven colours for a while and it was great to see them out there and doing what they do-  Bellamy being top scorer, Hannah Ryan on the offensive and defensive boards and Ash with a lot of hustle.

“Jaymee McPherson has also just joined our team this year and she is an ex-Wagga girl, so it was awesome to see her out there giving it everything and seeing what she can do.

“Then there was Simone Gibbs, Kate Denyer and Carlin Day who showed their experience keeping composed and knocking down shots when we needed them.

“Mary-Jane Toole and Chiara Arthur who defensively had a great time, with great rebounds and Chiara’s quick hands it got us the ball when we needed it.

“Everyone did there part and that's the reason we got the win in the end.”

The women’s team will now enjoy a week off before welcoming Bathurst to the Tigers Den.

“Bathurst have always been a strong and quite a tough team,” Patterson said.

“This year they have gained Sophie Kleeman, an ex-ABA player and Haylee Lepaio, who has been to America and just come back from playing SEBAL, so with these girls and the combination of the girls from last year it's going to be a tough and physical game, but there is nothing stopping us from getting the win.

“We just need to make sure we go out hard, play the defensive end with intensity and have composure in offence and make sure we play all four quarters.

“It's going to be a great test for us – they finished second last year, so they are out to go one further and we have to be switched on and ready to play from the start.”