Mel Mansfield is keen for Wasps to raise their level in front of goal. (s)
HEAD coach Mel Mansfield claims her Wasps side will take plenty of encouragement and points to improve on from Monday night’s 44-43 defeat to Loughborough Lightning.
A day after seeing off Severn Stars 53-34 in the club’s Vitality Superleague opener at Studio 001 in Wakefield – where the opening nine weeks will take place – the Black and Golds were ultimately undone despite leading 33-32 after quarter three.
With Lightning goal shooter Lucy Parize coming to the fore in the closing stages, Wasps just fell short on the night, giving Mansfield plenty of reason to rue her side’s indecisive finishing.
“Unfortunately not much went our way, and we threw away our turnovers,” she said.
“We had opportunities all throughout the second half, particularly in the last 45 seconds to take the game, but we didn’t.
“The league isn’t won. There are lots of games to play, Loughborough were much improved and we had to step up a notch against quality opposition.
“We’ll move on, we’ve got Team Bath – we go back-to-back in terms of tough games – but bring it on, we’ve learned some tough lessons.
“This team is going to be top four, Loughborough will be as well, it’s always worth putting yourselves against the best.
“I think the girls will get over it quickly, they’re pretty resilient and they’ve got to be.”
After next Monday’s clash with Team Bath – one of only two sides along with Saracens Mavericks still with a 100 percent record – Wasps finish the week against Surrey Storm on Sunday, February 28.
