Bad day for Pitman and Firebirds

CHELSEA Pitman's family and friends didn't have much to cheer about on her return to Sydney with the Queensland Firebirds yesterday.

Pitman injured a knee and hobbled off just minutes into the trans-Tasman showdown with the Sydney Swifts and the defending premiers never recovered from the blow, losing 54-49.

It was the Firebirds third loss in four games this season.

Pitman, who was born in Sydney and spent two years with the Swifts, will have scans on her knee today.

Romelda Aiken scored 30 goals from 39 shots while Natalie Medhurst scored 19 from 22 attempts.

In other games, West Coast Fever beat the Southern Steel 56-53, and the Melbourne Vixens downed WBOP Magic 40-39.