The GoSweetSpot Mystics continue their winning streak, never relinquishing their lead in a battle against Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse in Porirua on Saturday, coming out on top with a 55-47 win.

Coming off a win against top of the table Tactix, the Mystics led from the opening whistle, despite many fightbacks from the home side at Te Rauparaha Arena.

The Pulse were in the match until the final quarter, where the Mystics kept their opposing shooters quiet, scoring only nine goals in the final period, and getting shut out of a bonus point.

With goal keep Catherine Hall interrupting play early, the Mystics came out flying to a 5-0 lead, and forcing the Pulse to make a change in their shooting circle. Khiarna Williams donned the goal shoot bib, as South African import Ine-Marí Venter went to the bench.

The Mystics stuck with their reliable starting seven for the first quarter, with Peta Toeava playing her 151st game alongside Tayla Earle who was celebrating her 100th. Mystics captain Michaela Sokolich-Beatson returned to her preferred position of wing defence as Earle continued her return to full fitness, and the duo were tidy, committing only one turnover between them all game.

The Pulse were struggling early with the brick wall of the Mystics defence but fought back as Parris Mason and Holly Comyns found their rhythm in the circle. Maia Wilson, sitting at 100% in the first quarter was subjected to some closer attention from Mason in the second, as the Pulse drew closer.

The Mystics continued to experiment with their shooting combinations, with Sophia Lafaiali'i coming on at goal shoot, and Wilson and Filda Vui sharing the goal attack bib. Lafaiali'i impressed, netting 33 of her 35 attempts, shutting down Pulse goal keeper Comyns, and forcing a change in defence their defensive circle.

Toeava thrived with whoever was in the shooting circle, absolutely dominating the feeds and goal assists all match, despite a warning after a couple of late challenges on defence.

It was starting to look like a true battle in the second quarter, with the Pulse drawing level late in the first half, and trailing by just one goal at half-time, after winning the second stanza 14-12. The Porirua crowd roared their appreciation for their home team, admiring Ameliaranne Ekenasio’s 2 Point Shot and Ainsleyana Puleiata’s ability to stand up to the physical pressure of Toeava.

But the Mystics kept their foot on the gas, winning both the third and fourth quarters to record an eight goal win.

Mystics fans are all holding their breath as star defender, Hall limped to the bench with six minutes to go after a collision with the post, she sits top of the ladder for both deflections and intercepts this season, adding another 2 deflections and 4 intercepts to her tally.

The Mystics absolutely dominated the defence, with 12 gains to the Pulse’s just six.

Sitting in third on the table, the scene is set for a must win match against the fourth placed Stars at Trusts Arena on Saturday night. With both teams desperate to stay in play off’s contention you won’t want to miss it!