Mystics claim crucial ANZ Premiership victory over Pulse

Maria Tutaia of the Mystics in action versus Pulse. 2017 © Copyright Photo: Anthony Au-Yeung / www.photosport.nz

The Mystics are back.

The Auckland side have exploded into life just when they needed it most, breaking their duck against the Pulse with an impressive 64-53 win on the North Shore on Wednesday night.

After two losses to the Pulse in earlier rounds, the Mystics reignited their campaign, pushing ahead of the Wellington side into third place with just four rounds remaining.

The result putting a dent in the Pulse's playoff aspirations as they head into do-or-die territory.

After a tight first half, the Mystics accelerated away in the third quarter, inspired by Tutaia's ability to score from anywhere.

The importance of the match was evident from the outset, as the teams delivered an exhibition of polished netball through a high-scoring opening stanza.

Shooter Cathrine Tuivaiti looked in the mood to torment her old team, helping the Pulse build an early four-goal buffer.

Tuivaiti notched a perfect 14 from 14 as the teams went to the first break all tied up at 17-all.

The Mystics began to make some ground defensively in the second quarter, with goal keeper Storm Purvis continually hunting for turnover ball and wing defence Anna Harrison causing all sorts of strife for the Pulse attackers.

With Tutaia's long shot on song, the Mystics enjoyed several strong surges on the back of attacking drives from centre Samon Nathan while the Pulse lost a little of their flow and confidence on attack with errors starting to creep in.

Gaining plenty from their extra defensive hustle and bustle, the Mystics edged ahead 34-29 at halftime.

The Auckland side then began to take control in the third quarter and the Pulse were left in chase mode, unable to contain the speed and accuracy of Tutaia, Elispeta Toeava and Nathan.

The defensive line of Harrison, Michaela Sokolich-Beatson and Purvis mopped up at the other end to help push the Mystics out to a well-merited 53-41 lead at the last break.