South Coast Blaze fired up to secure second win against Sapphires

The Blaze currently has a one win from their three fixtures in 2020.

Through the opening three rounds, the Blaze, headlined by Shoalhaven's Shelby Mallon and Elecia Parrott, recorded a win against Panthers (61-57) while dropping contests to ERNA Hawks (80-52) and Central Coast Heart (71-46).

"Obviously we'd like some more wins on the board but I believe the first few weeks are a good starting point for us," Mallon said.

"We are really starting to build a solid foundation here at the Blaze and I'm sure more wins are just around the corner.

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"Especially as we've been putting in the hard work at training to fix the simple errors that have cost us lately.

"Our combinations and timing on the court are really starting to flourish."

To get the better of the Sapphires, who also have one win from three attempts this season, Mallon knows where her team, in their inaugural Premier Netball campaign, needs to improve.

"Our focus has been doing the basics right," she said.

"We need to ensure we capitalise when we have possession and maintain our pressure and shut down their shooters when on defence - at the end of the day, we are here to win."

Following this week's game, Mallon will line up against her former club the Sutherland Stingrays in round five.

"The Sutherland game is one I've been looking forward to all season, as I know all the girls really well," she said.

"I have no doubt it'll be an exciting game of end-to-end action and I'm confident we can come away with the win."

If the Blaze, coached by Marji Parr, can win both fixtures over the next fortnight, it will go a long way to helping them secure their goal, which is a semi-final appearance.

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"Our goal all season has been making the top-two in our conference and that won't change all year," Mallon, who believes her shooting and on-court movements have improved this season, said.

"Everything is starting to come together really well and the exciting culture we are building is only going to get stronger.

"From Marji and all the coaches to all the players, this is one of the best and most supportive team cultures I've had the pleasure to be a part of and each time we step on the court, we are laying the foundations for future success.

"Each week, each individual, including myself, is improving and that's only going to make us better as a whole moving forward."

The Blaze's open's team start their match at 6.45pm on Wednesday, with the under 23s fixture following at 8.45pm.