By Tara Murray
The only way is up for the Whittlesea Pacers in Big V men’s division 1.
It’s been a nightmare start for the Pacers, who are without a win after six games, including two forfeited results for playing an unregistered player.
For Pacers’ coach Brian Vaughns, everything that could go wrong, has gone wrong.
“It’s been a funky start to the season,” Vaughns said.
“Our import only arrived in time for two training sessions before the start of the season.
“The first two games were forfeits instead of results, based on league rules, and then a player had to sit out a game.
“Then early injuries to Tom [Watson] and Dom [Bruno]. It’s been a mix and match team.
“I have faith in the group that they can get it together.“
Vaughns said while it hadn’t been an ideal start, they weren’t making any excuses.
Vaughns said the biggest area of concern on court has been the defensive end.
He said lapses had allowed sides to shoot a high field goal percentage against them. He said opposition teams were averaging 50 per cent from the field, which was too high.
In only one game has the opposition attempted more shots than the Pacers, which shows the Pacers are getting plenty of opportunities themselves.
“It’s all mental stuff,” Vaughns said.
“We are a young team, but at this stage I don’t think we’ve grown from last year.
“Our defence sucks. Our offensive is capable, but the defence is where we are having problems.
“Once we solve those problems we will be a better side.”
Vaughns said they have the ability to play some good defence, but it’s about doing it for the whole 40 minutes.
“I do believe if we can shore up the defence that we’ll see some changes in our games.
“We’ll become a force this season.”
The Pacers next match is Saturday night against the Sunbury Jets.
