The Saints fell 42-62 to a strong Shepparton side, that is once again contending after a semi-final exit last season, and were right in the contest for the first half.
After trailing 10 to 16 at quarter-time, Benalla rallied to win the second term, outscoring the Bears 14-12 and closing the gap to four goals to remain in striking distance as they returned to the court after the main break.
Unfortunately for Benalla, the Bears showed their polish in the third term, slamming home 17 goals to nine to widen the margin to 12 at the final break, before repeating the feat in the fourth term to hand the Saints a 20-goal loss.
Coach Chloe Hill should be buoyed by the fact her side stayed in touch with a finals contender, albeit only for a half, but it is a promising sign as the Saints look to record their first win of the year, one which eluded them in 2024.
Hill was among the best in the loss at the weekend, alongside sister Bridget, who put through 22 of her side’s goals, while Chloe Elliott was also impressive in her role at either end of the court.
The Saints will look to regroup ahead of a trip to Kyabram on Friday and, if they manage to bring the same intensity they did in the first half against Shepparton, could well find themselves in the winner’s circle on Good Friday.
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