The Northern Mystics had to come up with a big final quarter to see off the resurgent Central Pulse in their trans-Tasman netball championships opener in Auckland.
With the scores tied at 37-37 heading into the final quarter, the versatile midcourter Grace Rasmussen replaced Silver Ferns goal attack Maria Tutaia in the circle and provided the extra zip which saw the Mystics home, 51-47.
In her first game in almost a year after rupturing knee ligaments early in last year's competition, Rasmussen was pivotal.
She started at wing attack for the Mystics and featured in a slick combination with veteran centre Temepara George before switching into the shooting circle to ice the win with six goals from seven attempts.
The Mystics shooter Cathrine Latu missed only one goal in the entire match, shooting at 97 per cent as the Mystics finished the game with 51 from 57 attempts.
In contrast, the Pulse managed 47 from 63, the struggle to convert possession in points proving costly.
