College A was desperate to make amends on Saturday after losing its last four games but again struggled to make a strong start, slipping to a quick 4-0 deficit on the way to a 61-59 defeat.
The return of Steel midcourter Gina Crampton to the Southern lineup helped provide Jen O'Connell with valuable ball to lead by one at the first break.
Southern coach Georgie Salter made changes to start the second quarter, bringing on captain Tessa Bekkers at goal keep while Rihi Salter came into goal attack.
College made a couple of silly errors at the start of the quarter and again trailed by four goals.
College defenders Danielle Grey and Renaye Flockton worked hard throughout the game and gained critical turnovers but they were squandered before they could be converted to goals.
In a continuing trend, College was able to mount a run going into halftime. It was starting to find momentum on attack but consistency was lacking.
The reintroduction of Nicole Meikle at the third quarter break helped Southern gain extra speed on attack, which it sustained to finish the game with the win.
Salter praised her defenders, in particular her captain.
''Having Tess out there was crucial. She is a bit walking wounded at the moment but she pushed through,'' Salter said.
College captain Olivia Bates lamented her side's missed opportunities.
''It was just not scoring off those crucial turnovers the defence were getting, especially against such a tall shooter,'' Bates said.
Despite the losing run, Bates said her team was turning it around.
''It's been a bit rough but the girls are ready to fight back and we showed that at times out there on court.''
In the two games that followed, Phys Ed A beat Southern Tui 74-58, and University Albion A beat its B side 59-46.
By Jaimie Keay.
