The VIP Frames & Trusses Mainland Tactix came up against a resurgent GoSweetSpot Northern Mystics side in Auckland on Saturday, falling 43-52 in a match that was tightly contested for three quarters before the home side pulled clear.
The opening quarter was competitive, the Tactix showing patience and resilience against a strong Mystics defensive wall and a home side rotating heavily through their personnel. The visitors came back several times to level proceedings, leaving the scores 12 apiece at the first break.
For the Tactix, Taiana Day stepped into the wing attack bib in place of captain Erikana Pedersen, ruled out after suffering a shoulder injury the previous week, giving younger members of the squad an opportunity to step up.
The back-and-forth nature of the contest continued through the second quarter, with neither side able to grab the initiative. Fa'amu Muliaga and Laura Balmer ensured the Tactix got their hands on plenty of ball, and an Amorangi Malesala two-pointer helped nudge them in front. Shooter Charlie Bell did a fine job with her positioning and accuracy to keep the one-pointers ticking over. The Tactix held a tenuous 25-24 lead at halftime.
The third quarter proved the turning point. The Mystics, inspired by Peta Toeava running the middle in her 150th national league match, came out with increased defensive pressure and got away to a flying 8-1 start, finding their full flow on attack and handing momentum firmly their way. The Tactix, who had worked hard to stay in the contest to that point, were unable to weather the burst and were held to just seven goals in the quarter, leaving them facing a 32-38 deficit at the last break.
The Tactix continued to chip away in the final quarter in a more competitive finish, but the Mystics held firm to run out 52-43 winners and deny the Tactix a bonus point.
The defeat ends the Tactix's unbeaten run, but the performance over the first half showed the character and depth this side possesses. With Pedersen's return to come, there is plenty to build on as the season progresses.
