Coming off a win against the previously undefeated Tactix last week, the Mystics led from the opening whistle, despite many fightbacks from the home side at Te Rauparaha Arena.
The Pulse were in the match until the final quarter, where the team in blue kept their opposing shooters quiet, scoring only nine goals in the final period, and unable to secure a valuable bonus point for being within five goals.
The result helps the Mystics leapfrog to second on the points table while the Pulse stay at fifth, with just one win from the season so far. The Auckland-based side absolutely dominated the defence, with 12 gains to the Pulse’s six.
With goal keep Catherine Hall interrupting play early, the Mystics flew out to an early 5-0 lead, forcing the Pulse to make a change in their shooting circle with Williams donning the goal shoot bib, as South African import Ine-Marí Venter went to the bench.
The Mystics stuck with their reliable starting seven for the first quarter, with Peta Toeava playing her 151st game alongside Tayla Earle, who was celebrating her 100th. Mystics captain Michaela Sokolich-Beatson returned to her preferred position of wing defence as Earle continued her return to full fitness, and the duo were tidy in committing only one turnover between them all game.
The Pulse were struggling early with the brick wall of the Mystics defence, but fought back with Parris Mason’s never-say-die attitude and Holly Comyns’ flying challenges. Maia Wilson shot 12 from 12 at goal shoot for the Mystics in the first quarter, but was quietened by Mason in the second quarter, as the Pulse drew closer. Wilson shifted to goal attack, and was much less dominant, scoring just two goals across 15 minutes.
The Mystics continued to experiment with their shooting combinations, with Sophia Lafaiali'i coming on at goal shoot, and Wilson and Filda Vui sharing the goal attack bib. Lafaiali'i scored 34 goals at an accuracy of 94 percent, shutting down Pulse goal keeper Comyns, and forcing a change in defence to try shut down the youngster.
Toeava thrived with whoever was in the shooting circle, absolutely dominating the feeds and goal assists all match, despite a warning after a couple of late challenges on defence.
It was starting to look like a true battle in the second quarter, with the Pulse drawing level late in the first half, and trailing by just one goal at half-time, after winning the second stanza 14-12. The Porirua crowd roared their appreciation for their home team, admiring Ekenasio’s super shots and Puleiata’s ability to stand up to the physical pressure of Toeava.
But the Mystics kept their foot on the gas, winning both the third and fourth quarters to record an eight-goal win.
ENDS |
