The Southern Steel have edged the Northern Mystics 56-52 in a toughly contested NZ Netball Premiership clash in Invercargill.
It was the Mystics' strongest performance of the season so far - with Bailey Mes nailing 100 percent of her 31 attempts at goal, and Phoenix Karaka stealing six intercepts at goal keep.
Bailey Mes Photo: PHOTOSPORT
But the visitors just ran short in the last 15 minutes, and the seasoned Steel line-up stayed steady and composed to take charge in the final quarter.
A calm start by Mes at goal shoot gave the Mystics an early confidence boost, but the long reach of Steel defender Te Huinga Selby-Rickit, stopped the Mystics from making a break on the scoreboard.
The home side led 15-14 at the first break and 29-28 at halftime.
With the sides locked at 38-all with four minutes of the third quarter remaining, the Steel finally stepped up a gear and snatched a 43-39 lead.
Goal keep Courtney Elliott, a late addition to the Steel squad this season, certainly made her presence felt, rattling the Mystics attack in the final stanza.
Kendall McMinn earned her first cap in the Premiership, replacing captain Frew at wing defence, as the Steel kept building until they were nine ahead.
But Te Paea Selby-Rickit's departure from the court almost looked a little premature, as the Mystics closed to within three in the final minute to snatch a bonus point.
However the Steel stood strong to seal the win and stay second in the standings.
