A 64-48 defeat on Saturday was followed by an 81-58 loss yesterday afternoon at the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre as the Lady Bandits took to the court without import forward Kristina Baltic and young gun Montana Farrah-Seaton.

The Border club showed flashes of promising play in both games, but an offensive drought in the second quarter of Saturday’s game and some defensive lapses in the third quarter yesterday cost the Lady Bandits dearly.

“The girls did better defensively than I expected,” Brookens said.

“We didn’t defend their three-point shooters in the second game, our players just didn’t recognise their shooters.

“But it was a great weekend, some really good indicators of where we’re at, system-wise.

“Once everyone is playing, I’m confident the sky’s the limit for this team.

“The girls are happy with what we’re trying to do and they’re all making a real effort to get out and run.”

US import Ali Bouman was solid in limited minutes in both hitouts, with point guard Ashton Eaton and back-up centre Lavinia Kava also notable contributors.

The Lady Bandits will head to Geelong next weekend for a pre-season tournament, with games against the Lady Supercats, Ballarat, Dandenong, Nunawading and Sandringham.

“I’m not at all concerned with the results this weekend,” Brookens said.

“We played what was pretty much their starting five and we were missing three (in the second game), so I like where we’re at.

“Definitely looking forward to next weekend in Geelong, we’ll get an even better idea of where we stand, just need that consistency.”