Playing on home turf the ladies took on Orange United and went back to the sheds with a 1-0 win.

Coach Mick Miller said the match was tough with a number of players out and the inclusion of three debutantes.

"We had three key players, Millie Leard, Erin Burns and Caitlin Burns, who were attending an Australian Women's Indoor Squad training camp in Tasmania.

"Therefore our approach to the game was conservative and with the inclusions of the debutantes we wanted to stick to basics and work as a team," he said.

"We did lots of running and so did Orange, with end to end hockey in the first two quarters with opportunities available for both teams."

But Panthers' Mackenzie Stewart was able to find the back of the net in the second quarter giving Panthers the lead.

"We were able to score with a break away goal against the run of play," Millar said.

In the third quarter the lack of fitness caught up with both sides of play seeming slow, according to Millar.

"It's only our second match back so the girls are still finding their match fitness, but they were able to control the play in the last quarter doing enough to get the win in the end," he said.

He said Bailey Staines and Brenna Croker's goalkeeping was a match highlight as the ladies made critical saves.

"Our goalkeeping was outstanding," he said.

Millar said it was hard to give points this week as all the ladies worked hard.

"As the coach I was very grateful at the effort that all girls put in and their attitude to overcome such a good opposition was admirable.

"Elissa Marshall and Rylee Millar were solid in defence, whereas Clare Bosman and Annie Buckley did lots of yards in our bid to move forward in attack," he said.

He also praised debutantes Emily Dean, Grace Dean and Maree Loane for their game time.

Millar said his squad would be making some adjustments on the playing field for their next home game against Parkes on Saturday at 1.30pm.

"We were challenged at times with Orange United transferring balls around the back and through the their defensive middle, so we'll be making some adjustments to rectify this next time around."

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