After knocking off the WNBL's two dominant teams, the Canberra Capitals are wary of suddenly becoming the hunted.
In the last two rounds the Capitals have beaten the grand finalists from the past two seasons – Townsville Fire and Perth Lynx – and bounced into Tuesday's training in a positive spirit.
But co-captain Marianna Tolo is well aware her team needs to be at the top of their game if they are to continue their impressive run of late.
"It's always more difficult to back up after a win because after a loss you're really searching for something and working that extra bit harder," Tolo said.
"But I think we all know we didn't have the best game on the weekend so we'll be looking forward to improving what we can to come into the game on Friday."
Tolo's dominance in the competition was recognised again by being selected as the league's player of the round for her 25 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.
She is the only multiple winner so far and she has been included in the WNBL team of the week on three of the eight rounds.
Tolo's presence in the offensive key is the Capitals' most destructive weapon and her teammates clearly trust in her ability to collect trick passes.
Particularly point-guard Lauren Mansfield, whose creative passes even catch Tolo by surprise.
"I'm getting used to it, I'm getting there. She's [Mansfield] an awesome player and what she can do with the ball is just amazing and something I will never be able to do," Tolo said.
"She shows trust in everyone in our team and she will throw those passes no matter who you are."
Coach Paul Goriss too is aware of the dangers of being complacent as they prepare to face the Melbourne Boomers for Carly Wilson's 350th game on Friday night at Tuggeranong Stadium.
"We're playing well but we've still got to build consistency with our group and we're not out of the woods, we've got another two games at home," he said.
"They're [Melbourne] going to come in with a never-say-die attitude and throw everything at us, and I think this is a really crucial game that could go either way just because of how they're probably going to play."
Goriss will then head to Fiji in his role as the coach of the Australian women's under 19 team as they prepare to qualify for the world championships through an Oceania qualification tournament.
He will therefore be unavailable to coach the Capitals against Sydney Flames next Thursday.
"I stand very proud to coach this team but it is also bittersweet as I leave the UC Capitals behind for a week," Goriss said.
"The girls are in great hands with assistant coach Reece Potter and I know they will be eager to finish off this four-game home run in great style."
