Powerful Pulse put an end to Stars revival
The Northern Stars’ brief winning streak is over after being decisively beaten by the Central Pulse in round 11 of the ANZ Premiership yesterday.
After reeling off consecutive wins to jump off the bottom of the ladder, the Stars struggled to shake the formidable force of the Pulse, losing 65-50 at Takanini’s Pulman Arena.
Stars English import and match MVP Ama Agbeze said the result was frustrating.
“The game was lost in the first quarter. The Pulse are a team that will capitalise on every error, so you can’t go down in the first quarter and expect to win,” Agbeze said.
“You can’t make that many errors against that team. You have to be either with them or ahead of them.”
Pulse captain Katrina Grant and defender Sulu Fitzpatrick were quick to assert their dominance in the Stars shooting circle as the defending duo’s presence made for a hesitant performance from the Northern shooters.
Some first-quarter nerves from Central Pulse 65 Northern Stars 50 Stars shooter Maia Wilson handed the visitors an early lead as Pulse shooter Aliyah Dunn continued to shine.
Dunn found good connection with Silver Ferns midcourter Whitney Souness, who led her side from the circle edge, as the Pulse surged ahead to lead by five goals.
The Stars looked determined in the second quarter as they tried to claw back lost ground on the scoreboard.
Clever defensive tactics from Agbeze and Kate Burley gave the Northerners valuable opportunities to score. However, faced by a stealthy Pulse defensive unit, the Stars midcourt struggled to successfully get the ball to their shooters as the scoreline widened significantly.
The Stars midcourt continued to struggle in the third quarter as the home side lacked assertion and passion. And without the injured Fa’amu Ioane, the Northerners fell flat as the Pulse dominated. Sulu Fitzpatrick (left) and Maia Wilson vie for the ball.
Uncharacteristic errors from the visitors in the final stages of the third quarter saw the Stars snatch a number of opportunities to score while they threatened a potential comeback to a hopeful home crowd.
But as the Pulse continued to surge ahead in the final stanza, with Dunn and Silver Ferns shooter Ameliaranne Ekenasio leading their side to one of this season’s highest scores, it was too little too late for the hosts.