MEL MANSFIELD has told her Wasps Netball players to maintain their level for the entirety of the 60 minutes after surrendering a final-quarter lead at Severn Stars.
Wasps were beaten 59-54 at University of Worcester Arena, the third game that the club have lost in an uncharacteristic start to the Vitality Superleague season.
After letting their five-goal advantage slip in the final 15 minutes, Mansfield made clear her disappointment.
“We had a much improved three quarters compared to last week [a 63-51 defeat to Team Bath], but unfortunately we just fell short in the last quarter,” she said.
“The game came down to that final period, we need to score consistently across the four quarters.
“We also won less balls throughout the court at the end, we just had a disappointing finish.”
The high-scoring opening quarter gave an insight into how the rest of the West Midlands derby would be played out as both sides adopted an offensive approach.
Wasps took an 8-4 lead thanks to the sharp shooting of Rachel Dunn, though the Stars always remained within touching distance of the visitors.
Both Paige Reed and Georgia Rowe were on form for the hosts, helping their side overturn the scores and lead 16-14 heading into quarter two.
While Mansfield’s side overturned the scores to resume their lead, the Stars hit back to take a one-goal advantage into the half-time break.
It was during the third quarter where Wasps found the most success, going five goals in front thanks to the successful forward partnership of Sienna Rushton and Dunn.
But despite the 44-39 advantage that the away side enjoyed, only ten further points were scored – in comparison to 20 from the hosts – in Q4 to confirm another agonising defeat.
Wasps aim to bounce back with a home fixture against London Pulse on Sunday (4pm).
