For the time being though, the Ballarat Community Health Lady Miners are making the most of their opportunities.

There was no better example of this than an 81-60 win over Nunawading at Nunawading on Saturday night.

Ballarat had beaten the Spectres six days earlier and was fortunate that the home team was below full strength, with Australian Opal squad members Marianna Tolo and Carly Wilson away on national commitments.

The Lady Miners had to win, and they ensured this in a rampant third quarter, when they outscored Nunawading by 21 points - the eventual winning margin.

Much of the damage was done in the last three minutes of the term, when Ballarat went on a 13-0 run.

Amy Lewis stamped her authority on the game on the way to 17 points and Rachel Jarry capitalised on visits to the free-throw line.

Jarry finished the night with 21 points, including a perfect nine from nine with foul shots, plus six rebounds.

Ballarat has climbed to fourth place in the women's conference top six.

This is far from secure, though, with seventh-placed Sandringham also on four wins.

Nevertheless, coach Kym Cassells is more than happy.

Kristy Rinaldi has worked into some excellent form, and her 12 points and four rebounds was typical of the contribution the Lady Miners are making across the team.

Karen Ashby was as steady as ever with 10 points, seven rebounds and four assists.

Ballarat now has four of its next five games at home and a big chance to set up its season.

They play Albury-Wodonga (ninth) and Frankston (11th) at the Minerdome, then travel to Kilsyth (second) before again returning to the home court to meet Sandringham (seventh) and Dandenong (sixth).