‘Slap in face’ gives Tactix motivation – Saunders
‘‘A slap in the face’’.
That’s the description Mainland Tactix vice captain Hayley Saunders used when trying to explain her team’s 71-48 thumping by the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic in Sunday’s ANZ Premiership opener.
The Tactix made the worst possible start to New Zealand’s new domestic league, producing a horrible third quarter, where they were outscored 24-11 to trail by 19 approaching the final term.
Accountability has been the key theme at training this week as they prepare to face new South Auckland franchise, the Northern Stars, at Horncastle Arena on Sunday.
The Stars, whose side includes veteran defender Leana de Bruin, Silver Ferns wing defence Kayla Cullen and promising young shooter Maia Wilson, are also in desperation mode, having been crushed by 18 and 20 goals in their opening two matches.
Tactix coach Sue Hawkins was livid with her side’s sluggish opening round effort and the players have copped it this week.
‘‘She has been stern. We expected it and we’ve been stern with each other. It’s been a real slap in the face,’’ wing defence Saunders said.
‘‘Sue was really disappointed to start the season that way, as we all were. She knows we’re much better than that.’’
Saunders, usually one of the Tactix most consistent performers, was hauled off the court for the final quarter as the goals piled up.
She was unhappy with the lack of pressure the Tactix midcourt applied on the Magic attackers and said it was vital they slowed the Stars higher up the court.
‘‘I understand why I got taken off. I’m disappointed in myself. I want to be one of those players you just can’t take off the court.’’
Saunders and her team-mates were gutted with their opening round result after all the hard work and progress she believed they had made over the off-season.
They were determined not to let that poor result dent their confidence and vowed they would be a much improved side on Sunday.
‘‘If we go into our shells after one loss, we shouldn’t be playing at this level. I can guarantee we won’t be going into our shells. It’s not happening at all.’’
‘‘’We’ve got to redeem ourselves. It’s now or never. We need to stop talking and walk the walk.’’
The Tactix turned the ball over a staggering 36 times against the Magic, which was unacceptable in the elite ranks and made it impossible to win matches, Saunders said.
They must cut that figure in half, at least, against the Stars and take personal responsibility for their accuracy with passes and cut out silly mistakes, like held balls or stepping. ‘‘Some of our errors were unforced. They were just sloppy plays. We’ve definitely had a good hard look at ourselves.’’
The Stars, tipped by many as a finals contender, will be upset with their lop-sided losses to begin the competition. Saunders expected them to be hungry for their first win and said they needed to match their intensity.
‘‘They will be hurting and coming out to make themselves feel better. We need to be prepared that they’re going to fight until the bitter end.’’
Tactix off-season recruit and two-test Silver Fern defender Temalisi Fakahokotau has trained this week after missing the opener with a back injury. She is expected to play, but will be managed carefully on her return.
Meanwhile, the Tactix have a naming rights sponsor for the first time since the end of the 2014 season after New Zealand jewellery retailer, Silvermoon, partnered with them for the next two years.