Reigning champions Illawarra offered no mercy to an under-strength Maitland on Saturday at the Snakepit.

The Kittyhawks started slowly before dominating the final three quarters for a 75-36 victory.

Illawarra forced the Mustangs into a whopping 34 turnovers and restricted them to 24 per cent shooting.

Maitland made the trip to Wollongong with just eight players and were effectively out of the contest after being outscored 18-3 in the second period.

"Because we hadn't played for a few weeks and hadn't trained, we were a bit rusty in the first quarter, but in the second, third and fourth we just played well and pushed the ball, and everyone scored," Illawarra coach Cheryl Lowe said.

Courtney Dean starred with 20 points and 13 rebounds, while Lauren Sparks added 13 points.

The Kittyhawks are third on the ladder with an 8-2 record.

Illawarra (4-10) remain at the bottom of the ladder in the WBL men's competition after an 89-64 loss to Maitland.

The Hawks started positively on a 15-8 quarter-time lead.

But the Mustangs took control and outscored the home team 57-28 over the middle quarters.

Illawarra were out-rebounded 45-38 and made just 30 per cent of their shots.

Dominique Cooks led the Hawks with 16 points, Luke Jamieson had 11, while Ross Allsop endured a tough night at the office with just 1/11 field goals.