West Coast Fever defender Stacey Francis says her team were as shocked as the fans following a 25-goal loss to Sunshine Coast but insists there's no need to panic.
The Fever were stunned 80-55 in the grand final rematch at RAC Arena, with the defeat coming a week after their upset one-goal loss to Adelaide.
The results leaves Fever with a 0-2 record ahead of Sunday's clash with the unbeaten NSW Swifts in Sydney.
The Fever were touted as one of the title favourites heading into the season but the nature of their loss to Sunshine Coast has left major question marks hanging over them.
Courtney Bruce missed the loss to Sunshine Coast because of an elbow injury, but Francis said that wasn't the sole reason behind the defeat.
"We were shocked too, definitely disappointed," Francis said of the reaction of the players.
"We have definitely been off song. We are lacking in intensity at the moment.
"Courtney makes a difference. She's one of the best goalkeepers in the competition. But she isn't 25 goals.
"We under performed across many areas of the court, it wasn't just defensively."
Despite the heavy loss, Francis is confident the team can turn their fortunes around quickly.
"I don't think there's any need to be worried, or to completely lose confidence," Francis said.
"We're definitely not losing faith. Two losses does not make a season go down the drain.
"The Lightning started last year with (three) losses in a row.
"We're still completely confident and our focus remains the same."
Bruce is no certainty to return against the Swifts, with West Coast keen to ensure their star skipper isn't at risk of causing further damage.
Francis said the team were embracing the challenge in front of them, and players wouldn't be afraid to have honest conversations with each other.
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