Pride takes on both Western Lightning and North East Blaze at the State Netball and Hockey Centre in the first of four double clashes.

The draw will see each game played as two 15-minute halves.

Pride takes on Western Lightning first, before switching courts to face North East Blaze.

UB Pride’s Ballarat 19/under coach Kerry Lightfoot described it as “a pretty tough pre-season”.

“We’re playing as many different clubs as we can in match-like conditions,” she said.

The new championship squad is a mix of familiar faces, young talent and out-of-town recruits.

Captained by Georgia Cann and Johanna Dash, the squad features the return of former championship player Lauren Atkinson after an absence overseas and 19/under goaler Jordyn Bibby, who has been promoted.

Defenders Danni Davidson and Ingrid Hopkins are back in the mix, while the new additions of City West Falcons goaler Kathryn Hard and Warrnambool’s Emma Wright bolster the line-up from further afield.

“We’ve put the best talent on the court that we could,” Lightfoot said.

“It’s based around our local content and we’re supplementing that.”

UB BALLARAT PRIDE PRE-SEASON DRAW

Tonight: Western Lightning, North East Blaze

February 8: City West Falcons, Monash University Central

February 15: Peninsula Waves, Yarra Valley Grammar Aerials

February 17: Boroondara Genesis, Southern Saints

UB BALLARAT PRIDE TEAMS

19/UNDER: Emma Ryan (c), Molly Boyle (c), Rachel Dobson, Samantha-Anne Knight, Brylee Schache, Skye Billings, Jordyn Billings, Sally Portbury, Elle McDonald, Laura McDonald, Molly Boyle, Shelby Strong, Vanessa Abela, Jessica Abela.

DIVISION 1: Gina McCartin (c), Ashleigh Hodge, Mikayla George, Julia Allan, Rachael Dovaston, Skye McDonald, Ashlee Lawrance, Samantha Karakinos, Chelsea Hillman, Kristie Gannon, Kira Payne, Lauren Quinlan.

CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION: Georgia Cann (c), Johanna Dash (c), Katie Williams, Jordyn Bibby, Amy Caldow, Lauren Atkinson, Kara Hart, Ingrid Hopkins, Emma Wright, Kathryn Hard, Danni Davidson.