Coach backs stung Wasps to gain revenge
MEL Mansfield says her Wasps Netball squad are determined to get back on track after a dramatic loss in the final seconds last time out.
The Black and Golds suffered their second defeat in three games against Loughborough Lightning on Monday night, which saw them knocked off the top of the table for the first time this season.
Mansfield’s side will now travel to the new league leaders Manchester Thunder tomorrow (5pm centrepass).
It will be the second occasion that the two sides have faced off this month, after Thunder handed Wasps their first loss of the season when they met at Ricoh Arena two weeks ago.
The race for a top-four finish is heating up in the Vitality Netball Superleague, with six points separating first from fifth position.
Mansfield says the team know why they fell short against Loughborough and are working hard in training to right those wrongs, as they go in search of a third successive Superleague title.
She said: “We weren’t good enough against Lightning on Monday night and we know exactly where we need to improve.
“It’s important you know what you do right when you win and what you do wrong when you lose.
“The players are determined to put it right and we’ve seen a very positive response in training this week.
“This is all part of the journey, every season has its ups and downs, and it’s all about how you respond.
“Nothing has changed in terms of our goal at the start of the season and that is to secure a top-four finish.”
Thunder came away 64-55 victors when they faced Wasps in the reverse fixture and are now on a three-game winning streak coming into Round 11 of Superleague action.
Mansfield added: “It hasn’t been long since we last played Thunder and that last match is still fresh in our minds.
“They are one of the in-form teams in the league right now and we will be up for the challenge.
“Every game is important and the big games keep coming at this stage of the season.
“We have made too many errors in the last couple of weeks, and that has been our downfall. We need to iron those out.
“This is a team game and we have all taken responsibility for the loss on Monday against Loughborough.
“We are still joint-top of the league on points and there is a lot of netball left to play this season.
“We need to improve from our last few performances but I’m confident this group can do that.”
Wasps Netball’s next home fixture sees them face London Pulse on Sunday, March 31 at Ricoh Arena. For tickets and more information go to www.waspsnetball.co.uk