LG Mystics continue strong start to the season

Monday, 29 March 2010

The LG Mystics scored a 61-50 win over Central Pulse in the second round of the ANZ Championship in Porirua on Saturday.

The game featured numerous errors from both teams early on, with the Mystics midcourt taking time to fire as the Pulse forced them to work overtime in an effort to find the path through to shooters Cathrine Latu and Maria Tutaia. The two shooters worked the circle well, despite some close attention from the Pulse defence.

However, the unflappable Latu's holding game and steady eye for goal meant she still managed an excellent 92 percent success rate, while Tutaia's work upcourt and from the long shot saw her finishing on 86 percent.

Joline Henry's return from injury gave goal keep and Jamaican international Althea Byfield more leeway to hunt outside the circle, and her elevation and timing proved particularly destructive.

LG Mystics coach Te Aroha Keenan brought on the experienced former Silver Fern Jenny-May Coffin at halftime for Grace Rasmussen at wing attack, and Coffin's combination with centre Temepara George worked well as the Auckland-based team eased away for the win.

After last week's three-goal win over Adelaide Thunderbirds, the victory leaves the Mystics in a strong position early in the 14-week competition leading into the playoffs, but with plenty of work ahead to cut down on the error rate.