The visitors led 27-18 at the first break after which the Torns won two quarters and drew the other but it was not enough to make up the deficit.

In their first match since the demise of the SEABL and the creation of a new Victorian-based competition, the Torns were well supported at Elphin Sports Centre but could not handle the Sabres' star forward and her impressive double double.

Captain Rachel Jarry dominated the scoring, her final tally of 23 points being almost twice anybody else on the court, as she also chipped in with 10 rebounds and nailed all 11 free throws.

Amelia Todhunter hit 11 and Cassandra Hill 10 plus seven rebounds and four assists.

New Zealand import Stella Beck dominated the Torns' court time, the guard playing every second and contributing 11 points, nine rebounds and five assists.

Another of the team's new imports, American Brittany Hodges, top scored with 12 points from her 29 minutes on court which also included a massive 20 rebounds.

Bec Abel added 11 points (and seven rebounds) and Brooke Brown 10 but the Torns were unable to deliver on coach Derrick Washington's confident pre-match assertion: "We're going to win. I believe but we are going to outrun them."

The hosts fought back to within a couple of points midway through the final term but could not sustain the push.

The team's third import, American Stephanie Gardner, did not play.

It was the Tornadoes' first match since losing MVP Lauren Nicholson to Kilsyth Cobras, Ally Wilson to Frankston, Ellie Collins to the Southern Huskies and Australian Opals guard Lauren Mansfield to NBL outfit Perth Lynx.

The Tornadoes have an abundance of young local talent with Launceston teenagers Micah Simpson, Makala Bingley and Jess Johnston joining Ulverstone's Sarah O'Neill in this season's squad. 

The Torns will be back at Elphin at 8pm next Saturday for the visit of Nunawading Spectres before they face a lengthy absence from their home venue, not returning until the visit of Albury Wodonga in round 7 on Friday, May 17.

Round 3 will see the team visit the Kingborough Basketball Stadium for the first Tasmanian derby against the Southern Huskies on Saturday, April 13.

Round 4 will be a road trip double-header against Bendigo Braves and Waverley Falcons on April 27 and 28 with a similar schedule the following week at Frankston and Eltham on May 4 and 5.

Saturday, May 11, sees the Torns at Ulverstone to face Dandenong Rangers.

NBL1 is the recently-launched joint venture between NBL and Basketball Victoria which seeks to fill the void left by the SEABL.