A dominant second half performance from the Mainland Tactix in Nelson on Sunday night has seen them clinch a 47-34 win over the Central Pulse.
Despite Pulse shooter Aliyah Dunn netting 95 per cent of her attempts on goal, she could only muster 22 shots, with the commanding Tactix defensive duo of Jane Watson and Karin Burger dominating the goal circle in the second half, combining for a total of six intercepts and seven deflections.
Starting Pulse shooter Te Amo Amaru-Tibble was replaced with newcomer Ivana Rowland early in the first quarter who managed to finish with 85 per cent on target but the Pulse shooters as a unit failed to put up enough volume to challenge the Tactix onslaught – with the Tactix hoisting 24 more shots than the two-time defending championships.
The absence of Pulse defender Kelly Jury, out with a calf strain, was felt by the visitors in the first quarter and the Tactix capitalised on this to hold a four-goal advantage at the end of the quarter.
However Jury's replacement at goal defence, youngster Paris Lokotui, helped the Pulse to carry out a five-goal run in the second to win the quarter by one goal.