Rush recruit Alice Kunek and captain Kristy Rinaldi led a fierce challenge against Frankston on the road tonight.
The pair combined in a strong fourth quarter surge before Frankston chipped away to secure a seven point win in South East Australian Basketball League action.
Frankston held a nine-point lead at half-time and an under-strength Rush matched the Lady Blues almost point-for-point in the third before making a break in the fourth.
Rinaldi put up five points within the first 90 seconds' play and Rush kept chipping.
Rush twice reeled the margin back within four points, including with less than a minute on the clock.
Kunek was strong in her Rush debut with 21 points, 14 rebounds.
Rinaldi also made a double-double with 14 points, 11 rebounds while youngster Sophie Alexander stepped up with 14 points, nine rebounds.
This was Rush's season opener.
FRANKSTON 19 44 55 70
BALLARAT 15 35 46 63