Pulse defender Parris Mason contests the ball with Mystics shooter Hannah Glen. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
The Central Pulse fought back from an 11-goal half-time deficit to beat the Northern Mystics 52-47 and remain at the top of netball's ANZ Premiership.
A superb second-half defensive effort from Pulse defenders Kelly Jackson and Parris Mason spearheaded the Wellington side's comeback for their fourth straight win of the season.
Meanwhile, experienced former Silver Ferns midcourter Claire Kersten was impressive after being rushed into the side for injured Pulse midcourter Maddy Gordon.
Pulse captain Kelly Jackson told SkySport a flat start hurt her side after they went to the first quarter break trailing 17-7.
"Ideally, we'd like to start games better in that first quarter," Jackson said.
"The second quarter wasn't too bad - we were starting to find our momentum - but we let loose in that second half and showed so much heart and courage.
"We'll walk away very happy with that one."
Jackson said her athletic defensive partner Parris Mason was "incredible" as she contested for multiple intercepts and gains.
"I'm speechless - that was an incredible effort from the girls in the second half."
Pulse shooter Khiarna Williams had another influential performance after entering the game in the second quarter.
And midcourter Whitney Souness provided 23 goal assists for the match, as she controlled the tempo of the Pulse midcourt and found space to send the ball into Amelia Walmsley.
The Mystics were unable to hold on to their significant half-time advantage.
That was largely built on a stunning shooting display from benchwarmer Hannah Glen, who came in to the starting seven after Mystics strike weapon Grace Nweke was sidelined with a knee injury.
"When you lose your shooter, just like [for] any team, it is hard," Mystics captain Michaela Sokolich-Beatson said.
"But I'm really proud of how Filda Vui and Hannah stood up tonight."
"It's not an easy ask, but I felt like they did well."
The final game of round 3 will see the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic host the Tactix in Hamilton on Monday evening.
Shooting stats
Pulse:
Amelia Walmsley 29/31 93.5%
Khiarna Williams 22/29 75.9%
Kiana Pelasio 1/2 50%
Mystics
Hannah Glen 25/28 89%
Filda Vui 22/25 88%