About an hour before the political sparring started between Mayor David Miller and challenger Jane Pitfield last night, a former failed challenger for mayor recalled the massive task facing Pitfield."I feel for her," said Anne Johnston, who once challenged Art Eggleton. "You have to keep your chin up, even though it's clear you won't win."Yes, nobody's giving Councillor Pitfield a snowball's chance in hell of upsetting the incumbent. But based on last night's strong and spirited performance at Innis College, during the first mayoral debate of the campaign, Pitfield's obituary writers may have been premature.The councillor gave as much as she took.She was animated and engaged where the mayor was a bit subdued.From the time she walked into the packed auditorium of 300 people to surprising applause, Pitfield showed mastery over the topics and went toe-to-toe with Miller on incineration, housing, the budget, transit, garbage and homelessness.