The Diamond Energy Female Midget AAA Wildcats find themselves in the first series deficit of the playoffs.

After sweeping the Battlefords Sharks in Round 1, Swift Current headed to the provincial capital for Game 1 of their league semi-final series with the Regina Rebels.

There, the Rebels clamped down on the Wildcats’ attempts in the offensive zone, holding Swift scoreless in a 3-0 result.

The Rebels out-shot Swift Current 35-11, scoring a goal in each period of play.

As well, after a potent powerplay went 7-for-15 in the opening round, head coach Terry Pavely said a lack of precision left the Wildcats unable to muster much of a push.

“Our powerplay wasn’t very good – we had five opportunities and I don’t think we got a shot on net,” he said. “We just didn’t play with any composure, and kind of threw pucks away with no purpose.”

Swift Current went 0-for-5, while Regina went 1-for-5, adding a short-handed goal as well.

The Rebels’ strike on the man-advantage came during a six-minute stint, as a Wildcat racked up four-minute and two-minute penalties.

“We got a little undisciplined at the end when it was 2-0, and had to try and kill six minutes,” said Pavely. “It doesn’t matter what league you’re in, six minutes… you’re not killing, at some point they’re going to score.”

Amaya Giraudier made 32 saves in the loss, as the Wildcats look for a quick turnaround to Game 2.

Some positive news ahead of Sunday’s home game for Swift is the potential return of a pair of vets held out of the lineup in Regina.

League MVP Taylor Lind, and veteran defenceman Tobi Fontaine each were held out with undisclosed injuries, though the return could be a quick one.

“I expect we’ll be pretty good tomorrow, hoping we’ll have a full lineup,” said Pavely. “If we do, we’ll be ready to play, and I think you’ll see a pretty good hockey team Sunday night.”

The message to the team, one Pavely talked about post-game Saturday in Regina, was a simple one- be patient.

“At the end of the day, we can’t put too much importance on (this). We talked about it, it’s a race to three. Whoever wins three games, it’s not one or two. We’ve been on a roll since Christmas, and I’m pretty confident we’ll be good tomorrow.”

Game 2 goes at 7:15 p.m. on Sunday from Fairview West in Swift Current.