The Gators went into the match high on confidence after defeating rivals Werribee in the previous round and looked the better of the two teams in the opening exchanges.

The scores were even by the end of the first quarter but the Gators found their rhythm in the second as guards Sarah Liebelt and Stacey Barr began to take control of the match.

Gators forwards Melissa Adams and Louise Johnston were too hot to handle in the third quarter, scoring shots from all angles as the side opened up a healthy lead.

The Gators continued to dominate in the fourth quarter and their hard work paid off as they finished the match with 84 points compared to Mildura's 63.

Gators' player-coach Sharon Grieve was delighted with the win, especially as she was unsure about how to play against Mildura leading into the match.

"They had come off four straight wins and I was anxious about how we'd go," Grieve said. "But our girls have worked extremely hard since we lost in the second round to Whittlesea and we made sure to tire Mildura out seeing as it was their second match for the weekend."

Grieve was impressed by the performance of Sarah Liebelt, who, she said, brought direction and experience to the side.

"She [Liebelt] put her foot down in the second quarter and showed great leadership to help us get across the line," Grieve said.

"Melissa Adams was also very good as she kept on bringing power when she came onto the court."

The Gators host Warrandyte this Sunday and Grieve expects nothing but a difficult match from a side which also has three wins and a loss from its first four matches.

"They are a young team like Mildura so we expect them to be fast and full of energy," she said.

"We will work on a plan to play against them but I'm confident we'll get another home win."