THE Launceston Tornadoes will take a big confidence boost from last weekend's victory over Ballarat into their next SEABL clash against Canberra at the Elphin Stadium tomorrow night.
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The Tornadoes split their double-header road trip losing to the strong Dandenong outfit but posting their fourth win of the season against the Rush and retaining the Madeleine Howard Shield.
Each time the Tornadoes and Ballarat meet the game is dedicated to the special memory of Madeleine Howard, a rising star in the Tornadoes squad, who tragically lost her life 10 years ago in a car accident.
Tornadoes assistant coach ?Alicia Riley, who knew and trained alongside Howard, said winning on the weekend meant a lot to the team which played with determination for their former teammate and her family.
``The girls responded well to the task of keeping the shield in Launceston,'' Tornadoes head coach Peta Sinclair said.
``It's a special game, and I'd love them play with that determination every game.
``That's the challenge I've set them in her memory.''
Tomorrow night the Tor?nadoes will take on the Canberra Capitals Academy, determined to build on their win and remain above the Capitals on the South Conference ladder.
Sinclair was hopeful that her team would continue their winning form.
``We want to build on our game against Ballarat. If we continue to play good team basketball I am confident that we can put another win on the board,'' she said.
Sinclair believes the team can finish the season on a winning roll.
``It's within our reach, we've faced a tough draw lately, but we're playing three of our last four remaining games of the season at home against teams we've been competitive against.
``We've got that home court advantage to finish the season strongly.''