Young guns Ruby Watson and Mia Puntoriero took to the court for the Bandits for the first time during the women's round one 32-point loss to Ballarat at the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre.

Puntoriero finished with five points and three rebounds in her debut, while Watson contributed four points.

Coach Matt Paps was pleased with the efforts shown by the 15-year-olds.

"Mia had a really good game in her first call-up," he said.

"I was really happy with her, and Ruby's confidence built in that second half.

"I think the crowd really appreciated and were excited that they could see Albury-Wodonga kids out there playing.

"For a lot of them, it's a lot more minutes than they've had in the NBL1 before."

They were led solidly by captain Emma Mahady, who scored 26 points in the Bandits' return to the court.

"She (Mahady) was great, especially in the first half," Paps said.

"She's the one the girls are looking to for guidance and she does a great job in her leadership as well as her playing.

"They (Ballarat) defended her out of the second half, which was what we had expected.

"We just have to do a better job of playing around her and giving her a bit of help, but that will come with a bit more training."

The game marked local product Jade McCowan's return for the Bandits, while Casey Ardern was also back in the border outfit.

Coach Paps finally has his long-awaited first game as coach under his belt after the cancellation of last season.

He admitted the side's defensive pressure was exposed as a key area for improvement.

"We knew it was going to be a tough game, but we've just got to get better at not allowing so many easy baskets," he said.

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"If we had of taken care of some of the things that we can control ourselves, the margin wouldn't have been so big.

"That's what really hurt us in the end."

Despite the side's young roster this season, Paps said it's no excuse.

"I don't think just because we're young and inexperienced that it's a pass, we still have to play well," he said.

"We can't just roll over for the other teams.

"As long as we do the best we can, I'll be happy."

The Bandits' next task will be against the Melbourne Tigers for a round two clash at the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre.

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