The Northern Mystics have rebounded from last week's opening loss in the national netball premiership with a convincing 64-58 win over the Southern Steel in Auckland .
Elisapeta Toeava Photo: Photosport
The win on Saturday night was built around some impressive shooting from Grace Nweke, who shot at 93 percent in missing only four of 60 shots on goal.
Her combination with Bailey Mes (eight from nine) at goal attack was impressive, the pair thriving on some excellent feeding from midcourters Elisapeta Toeava and Tayla Earle.
The Steel matched them goal for goal until midway through the first quarter when the Mystics went on a blitz, outscoring the visitors 10-3 to lead 19-11 at the first break.
The Steel regrouped in the second stanza, but still trailed 26-37 at halftime. The damage of that first-quarter blow-out became more evident as the match progressed, the Steel inching back to outscore the Mystics 31-28 over the second 30 minutes.
English international George Fisher shot a perfect game, sinking 42 from 42, while former Pulse goal attack Tiana Metuarau upped her volume to net 16 from 21 attempts.
But defensive wins were few and far between for the Steel against Nweke and Mes, while Sulu Fitzpatrick led a smothering Mystics back-court which proved more effective in restricting the options into the Steel shooting circle.
The Northern Stars host the Tactix in Auckland tomorrow afternoon, while defending chamions the Central Pulse travel to Hamilton to play the Magic on Monday.