At the bottom of the NBL1 Women's ladder is a team that dreams of one more win before the end of the season.
After a home game on Saturday afternoon, the South West Slammers women's change room was thick with disappointment as basketball coach Robyn Vogel ripped into her team.
"That was one of the worst games you've ever played," she said.
More than halfway through the season, the team she stepped in to coach in May has struggled to win all but one game.
It was their only game won in three years.
With so much defeat, it has been friendship, loyalty, and a diehard hope for one more win that has kept the players coming back.
The Bunbury-based team has been stuck at the bottom of the ladder, managing to break its losing streak only after Vogel joined as coach.
"You're playing women who've got a lot of experience, so you can't take it easy."
Having coached some of the team's players when they were juniors, Vogel felt a calling to coach the Slammers despite the challenges.
She said a mix of factors, including the age and limited professional experience of many of the players, has contributed to the team's struggles but it's something she believes they can overcome together.
"I love those girls," Vogel said.
"But as I said when we started, it's going to be a long road and we've got a lot to work on."
This year, the team welcomed American forward Tylinn Carter and championship-winning Alex Ciabattoni from South Australia, which has revived hope.
"There are some talented kids and ladies in that group," Vogel said.
"We just need to tap into it and find it and turn the switch on. Find that switch for each one of them to actually get some success."
Why come back after losing?
Fifteen-year-old Grace Adams has played her first season in the NBL1 this year.
The teen, who towers over school peers at 185 centimetres tall, is one of the youngest players on the court this year.
She said playing at a semi-professional level in front of hundreds of people felt intimidating, but the camaraderie of her team has helped.
"It was scary at first," Adams said.
For 18-year-old Javene Fitch, who has been playing for the Slammers since 2018, it has been a similar experience.
After enduring loss after loss, she considered quitting but it was her teammates who kept her going.
"It was stressful. I didn't know how tough it would actually be," Fitch said.
"Self-confidence was really low that first season, but as I went on I got a lot of support and courage and it's just been a whole lot better.
"We're becoming better friends."
Fitch, whose favourite basketballer is Perth Wildcats star Bryce Cotton, said her main goal was to become a better player and teammate.
"I know I can be a lot better than what I have been," she said.
A win before the end of the season would also help.
"It could bring so much hope and positivity," Fitch said.
"It's just worth it in the end."
