The Northern Mystics have some breathing space at the top of the New Zealand netball conference with a torrid 47-45 victory over the Central Pulse in Wellington on Monday night.
Northern Mystics goal attack Maria Tutaia earnt another MVP award with her performance Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Mystics are now three points clear of the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic after four wins, two draws, and a loss so far in their ANZ campaign.
Trailing 14-9 at the first break, the Mystics came out with a new purpose and led at half-time, 23-20.
Spearheaded by Jodi Brown, the Pulse never gave up, the goal attack shooting a remarkable 28 from 32.
In her 100th ANZ Championship appearance, Mystics' long-time shooter Cathrine Latu came off the bench in the third quarter, and rounded out the victory with a 100 percent shooting performance.
She says half way through the regular season, they are pleased with where they are at.
"We've still got a really long road ahead but we're at the top because we kind of deserve it. I know they've been really patchy performances but we're still kind of getting either to the line or just over it so I think we deserve to be at the top at the moment."
In past years the Mystics have failed to live up to expectations but Latu says they have a better approach this year.
"I believe it's some of the off-court stuff, we're very honest with each other and because I've been in a lot of teams that say we're very honest but it's actually not how it is. So you know we've been confronting each other and expecting a lot out of each other."
The Mystics will look for their first win across the Tasman this year when they meet the New South Wales Swifts in Sydney next weekend.
The Central Pulse are fourth on the table, behind the Southern Steel, and ahead of the winless Tactix.
