The Northern Stars held off a late charge by the Silvermoon Tactix to beat the visitors 56-53, and pick up their first win of the ANZ Premiership.
Playing in front of a vocal home crowd at Pulman Arena in Takanini, the Stars pushed out to a nine-goal lead at half time.
Head Coach Kiri Wills was relieved after the match to finally pick up the win.
“It feels bloody good, we’ve been working extremely hard and the girls have been doing everything we’ve wanted them to and to get the win is a relief.”
Tonight was the third time the two sides have played each other this season, with the Tactix winning both times by one goal margins.
The Tactix had the better start to the match but defensive intercepts to Holly Fowler and Ama Agbeze ignited a flurry of goals from the Stars.
The home team pushed out to a 18-11 quarter brake lead.
The Tactix tightened the screws in the second quarter with the introduction of former Australian Diamonds shooter Kate Beveridge.
The visitors closed to within four goals before the Stars lifted another gear, eventually closing out the first half up 35-26.
Anna Thompson came into the match at center after half time to give Fowler a rest. Thompson picked up an intercept on her first touch of the ball against her former team.
The Taxtic kept biting into the Stars lead thanks to the defensive efforts of Jane Watson and Temalisi Fakahokotau.
A crowd-pleasing intercept to Fa’amu Ioane helped settle the Stars as the visitors closed to within six goals and winning the third quarter 14-11.
The Stars shooting circle of Maia Wilson and Paula Griffin continued their strong form to convert turnover ball.
In the final quarter a crucial turnover with five minutes to go evaporated the Stars lead to two goals but unlike previous matches the Stars held their nerve to secure the win.
Captain Grace Kara was named Stonz Jewelers player of the match.
Next up for the Northern Stars is the Central Pulse at Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua on Monday 25 June at 7.40pm.
Next Home Match:
Monday 4th July – Northern Stars v Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic
Time: 7:40pm
Venue: Pulman Arena, Auckland
