Donna Wilkins - “Fan Support Means Everything” As Tactix Prepare To Defend Home Court

After falling to the Go Media Stars in Round 2 of the ANZ Premiership, the VIP Frames and Trusses Tactix are preparing for Sunday’s rematch at Wolfbrook Arean in Christchurch.

The top of the table Tactix look to secure their fifth win in a row, sitting just one point ahead of the Mystics, but 13 points ahead of their weekend rival.

Despite the northern rival winning only one out of six premiership games, the Tactix will not be underestimating their ability to turn-up the pressure on the court.

In their first meeting, the Stars walked away with a 57-52 win in Auckland, dominating the Tactix from the second quarter with 7 intercepts and 12 gains, while Stars shooter Charlie Bell maintained a 91% shooting average.

In preparation to face the one team that has walked away with a win against the Tactix this season, head coach Donna Wilkins said it is just another game with another worthy opponent.

“The importance of playing at home in front of our crowd is a big focus for us, and after last week's performance it is nice we have two (home games) in a row,” Wilkins said.

Wilkins said the value of the home crowd cannot be underestimated, and the team felt the energy that came from the approximately 3700 fans that attended last week’s game against the Pulse.

“One of our season goals is to defend our home court, having the support and such a big crowd last week was awesome to see,” Wilkins said. “This is massive for the team and the support definitely makes it hard for other teams to come in and perform against us in our environment.”

The Tactix have shown an ability to adapt and grow week to week and Wilkins believes avoiding injury or illness and having a full ten player squad has made a real difference.

“Being able to have everyone available for training during the week gives us more time working together and more confidence with our structures and game plans,” she said.

That work has focused on improving week-by-week, with the Tactix looking to tap into areas of the game that need the most improvement.

One on-court area that Wilkins will be pleased with is the performance of her shooters Ellie, Bird, Martina Salmon and Te Paea Selby-Rickit.

Salmon was starting pick for goalshoot against the Pulse, and maintained a 90% shooting average, up from 84% when the Tactix took on the Stars in Round 2.

Wilkins would not comment on who would be starting in the goal circle this weekend, with Bird, Salmon and Selby-Rickit all strong contenders.

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