Northern Mystics reclaim top spot as finals race heats up

The battle of the 09 closed out round eight with the Northern Mystics reclaiming the top spot after a commanding 67-47 win against the Stars.

Despite having more possession, the Stars struggled to compete with the Mystics' flair and ball speed.

Monday night’s match in Auckland saw the seamless return of Australian Diamonds player Donnell Wallam, putting up a high volume. Her shooting partner, Filda Vui, added two more two-point shots to her impressive tally.

Chaos unfolded in the Stars’ shooting circle as multiple substitutions were made in an attempt to counter Mystics’ Goalkeeper Catherine Hall, who rose to the occasion, picking up six gains.

Former Silver Fern player Kayla Johnson was ruled out during the game due to injury. With a disappointing 1-7 win record and ongoing injury issues, questions arise about how the Stars will see out their 2025 season.

In another intensive game - the gusty battle of the islands - the Southern Steel proved too strong, defeating the Magic 65-56 in Invercargill.

Saturday’s performance shows momentum continues to build for coach Wendy Frew and her team, sending a call out that they are premiership contenders.

The win came from an impressive attacking trio, with Kimiora Poi (WA), Georgia Heffernan (GA), and Aaliyah Dunn (GS) all putting out a clinical 60-minute performance.

It was the homeside right from the first whistle, managing to win three out of the four quarters. Poi took charge in the attacking end with a dominating 51 feeds, and Dunn was reliant as ever, sitting at a 95 per cent shooting rate.

The Steel's Renee Savai'inaea, right, is pressured by Magic Ameliaranne Ekenasio during their ANZ Premiership match at Globox Arena, Hamilton, on Monday 19 May 2025. Photo/DJ Mills/Photosport

Carys Stythe, continuing her impressive season, picked up six gains. Despite Waikato's last quarter surge, it was too little, too late to bridge the gap.

With two rounds remaining, Magic will have to bank on other results to swing their way for any hopes of making the top four.

The ball moved up the line on Sunday to a sold-out TSB arena, where a revived Wellington Pulse outplayed current top-dogs Mainland Tactix in a 59-50 win.

Patterns emerge from Saturday's match, from a dominating attacking end and Pulse securing three out of four quarters, keeping Tactix to just a single digit in the second.

Plenty of pieces to the Pulse puzzle were re-jigged, powerhouses Souness and Ioane out due to injury and minor illnesses, allowing feeder team player Erana Ngarimu to debut.

Ainsleyana Puleiata secured her first season start, coming off a third ACL injury, and Goal Shoot Khiarna Williams returned to the court after 11 weeks out from a shoulder injury.

From left, Pulse's Tiana Metuarau, Tactix's Charli Fidler, Pulse's Amelia Walmsley, and Tactix's Jane Watson tussle for the ball during their Round 8 match of the ANZ Premiership last weekend. Photo/Marty Melville/Photosport

Pulse player Maddy Gordon, also named MVP, shared that the depth in their squad is a great strength.

“Obviously it wasn’t our full strength starting line up but it just shows we’ve got depth on that bench and everyone wants to go out there and give it their all” she says.

The Tactix will have plenty to reflect on ahead of the last two rounds and the finals.

Looking ahead, the Pulse host the Stars on Saturday, the Mystics and Steel face off in Auckland, while the Tactix take on the Magic in Christchurch next Monday.