The Go Media Northern Mystics have continued their hot streak in the ANZ Premiership, defeating Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse 55-47 in a high-intensity clash at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua.
Fresh off their breakthrough victory over the previously unbeaten Mainland Tactix, the Mystics controlled the contest from the opening whistle and never surrendered the lead, despite repeated fightbacks from the home side.
The result lifts the Mystics into second place on the 2026 ANZ Premiership ladder, while the Pulse remain near the bottom of the standings with just one win from the season so far.
The Auckland side’s defensive pressure proved the difference throughout the match, finishing with double the number of gains compared to the Pulse and consistently disrupting attacking flow.
Goal keep Catherine Hall made an immediate impact as the Mystics surged to an early 5-0 lead, forcing the Pulse into an early reshuffle in the shooting circle.
Veteran midcourter Peta Toeava delivered another commanding performance in her 151st appearance for the Mystics, controlling feeds into the circle and piling pressure on the Pulse defence all night. Tayla Earle also celebrated her 100th game, returning strongly alongside captain Michaela Sokolich-Beatson in the defensive midcourt.
The Pulse fought hard to stay in the contest through the efforts of Parris Mason, Holly Comyns and captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio, whose long-range super shots helped ignite the home crowd late in the first half.
After trailing heavily early, the Pulse rallied to close the gap to just one goal at halftime, winning the second quarter and briefly threatening to swing momentum their way.
However, the Mystics lifted again in the second half, tightening their defensive structures and limiting the Pulse shooters to just nine goals in the final quarter.
Young shooter Sophia Lafaiali’i proved a major weapon after coming off the bench, scoring 34 goals at 94 percent accuracy in a composed display under pressure. Maia Wilson and Filda Vui also rotated effectively through the shooting circle as the Mystics experimented with combinations.
The visitors eventually pulled away in the closing stages to seal an eight-goal victory and continue building momentum as one of the competition’s strongest form teams.
There was late concern for the Mystics after Hall limped from the court following a collision with the goal post, with the defender currently leading the Premiership in both deflections and intercepts.
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