THE Launceston Tornadoes head into round 6 of the SEABL season this weekend with a renewed sense of confidence, following their strong performance against South conference leader's Kilsyth Lady Cobras at home last weekend.
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In a nail-biting contest for the home crowd, the Torns were heading into the final quarter just one point behind the Cobras before foul trouble and other errors led to Kilsyth taking the win by eight points.
"The Kilsyth match was a really tough match for us, with injuries and players out and my first time taking the reins," Tornadoes captain and assistant coach Alicia Riley said.
"At training I set the girls tasks going into the game and they definitely responded.
"I feel extremely proud of them.
"We are working well as a team and were only going to get better, which is really exciting."
In the lead-up to this weekend's double-header road trip, Riley has been focusing on specifics that crumbled in the last quarter against Kilsyth.
"We've still got lots of work to do," she said.
"This week at training we're focusing on shooting percentage in the paint under pressure.
"The league has also stepped up their foul calling and its killing us."
Riley wanted her players to take the lead more confidently.
"We've got to look at ways to extend our lead when we get there.
"I think at the moment the girls get comfortable when we're in the lead and this is when I want them to extend and pick up the momentum."
The Tornadoes face Bendigo Lady Braves tomorrow night followed by Nunawading Spectres on Sunday.
The Torns lost to Nunawading early in round 2 at home and Bendigo Lady Braves sit one spot above them on the South Conference ladder.
Despite facing two tough teams this weekend Riley is confident they may come away with a win or two.
"We are still down with Peta (Sinclair) away and Olivia (Howard) injured so in their absence we welcome Hannah Phillips back.
"She contributed nicely last week as did our girls off the bench.
" Lauren Faulkner and Edwina Kidd always bring energy and commitment to our program and will be an essential addition to the team on the road this week."