The Northern Stars have continued their statement start to the ANZ Premiership, claiming their fourth win in as many games with a 59-45 win over the Southern Steel.
With the two teams coming into the contest having conceded the fewest goals through the opening three rounds, the defences were expected to play pivotal roles.
While both sides made strong starts and battled out a relatively close first quarter, the platform was laid by the imposing Stars defence of goal keep Anna Harrison and goal defence Elle Temu, who combined for four intercepts and seven rebounds in the game.
In the midcourt, wing defence Lisa Mather complemented the work of Harrison and Temu, while centre Mila Reuelu-Buchanan and wing attack Gina Crampton provided terrific service into the circle for their shooters.
While they didn't shoot particularly well throughout the game, with goal shoot Maia Wilson shooting below 80 per cent and goal attack Jamie Hume converting 71 per cent of her attempts, Wilson led the game in rebounding with eight, taking several opportunities at second-chance goals.