Fire hoping for Lightning strike

The JCU Townsville Fire will look to open their 2018/19 Chemist Warehouse campaign against Adelaide on Friday afternoon.
The Lightning looked ultra-impressive on the road in Perth last week and will be full of confidence in front of their home fans, but after the Fire suffered an opening round setback at the hands of Dandenong, the reigning champions are determined to return to the winners’ list.
The 2018/19 season has started but how well do you know @DarceeGarbin & @DonnellyMik & how well do they know each other? Check out the first episode of Her or Me thanks to @ZarraffasCoffee Townsville! #FireUpTownsville pic.twitter.com/6xfym35hy8
— Townsville Fire (@TownsvilleFire) October 17, 2018
Earlier today, the Fire departed for the Doomsday Double, with six-time WNBL MVP Suzy Batkovic, fresh off a 20-point and 16-rebound double-double, telling her teammates to trust the process.
“I think we do a great job of our recovery and managing our workload when we do have a road trip like this,” Batkovic said.
“Obviously the flight is a bit brutal, but by doing the right things it definitely helps us be ready and fresh to get on that floor in Adelaide.
“I think the biggest thing is just focusing on what’s in front, so for us right now that’s just focusing purely on Adelaide and then worrying about Perth once the Adelaide game’s done.”
Following Friday’s game, the Fire will travel to Perth to face the Lynx, who will also be looking to rebound after dropping their season opener to the Lightning.
JCU Townsville Fire championship winners @DarceeGarbin and Zitina Aokuso return for the first episode of @MikeCarneyToy Carpool Karaoke in 2018/19. Check out the duo as they try their hands at Dexys Midnight Runners’ Come On Eileen! #FireUpTownsville pic.twitter.com/TbHu2ANpE8
— Townsville Fire (@TownsvilleFire) October 15, 2018
The Fire have enjoyed two solid practice sessions before their cross-country flights with Batkovic salivating at the prospect of Stella Beck making her club debut.
“She had the first week of preseason and then she had that stress fracture in her foot so it’ll be nice to get all the players back in and just gel and get that cohesion going,” Batkovic said.
“We just got Tess back (after the World Cup) so that throws another little spanner in the works. I think she’s settled in pretty quick, but you still need a bit of that chemistry.
“There’s people that haven’t played with her so knowing what she’s capable of and what her role is in our team (is important).”
The Fire and the Lightning tip-off at Adelaide Arena from 4pm (QLD time) on Friday night.
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