Mystics confirm title aspirations
The Northern Mystics moved within a point of top spot in the ANZ Premiership after a comfortable 64-51 victory over the Central Pulse at Trusts Arena yesterday.
Grace Nweke made 54 goals from 63 attempts as the Mystics closed the gap on city rivals Northern Stars.
The visitors kept pace with the Mystics only until the end of the first quarter, when four straight successes from a flawless Nweke gave her side a four-goal lead they would never surrender.
The Mystics boosted their advantage to nine by halftime before running away with the contest in the fourth quarter, earning their seventh win from 10 games to set up a blockbuster clash between the two Auckland sides at Pulman Arena on Sunday.
Captain Sulu Fitzpatrick was an inspiring figure for the home side, leading the charge from the defensive end to clinch five intercepts.
The Pulse were forced into multiple changes as they looked for a spark on attack. The switch of Whitney Souness to goal attack paid some dividends, with the visitors producing a competitive second half, but by then, the damage was done.
The Mystics had their preferred starting line-up with the return from injury of wing defence Fa’amu Ioane, while the Pulse opted to start captain Claire Kersten at wing defence, with Maddy Gordon picking up the centre’s bib.
The Mystics defensive unit caused plenty of problems for the Pulse in the first half as they led 30-21.
The Pulse made changes late in the third quarter. Souness shifted across to goal attack for Te Amo AmaruTibble, while Gordon went to wing attack and Abby Erwood came off the bench and into wing defence.
While they proved more competitive, the Mystics maintained a ninegoal advantage, leading 47-36 into the last break.