The Northern Stars have held off a fourth-quarter comeback to topple cross-town rivals the Northern Mystics 55-49 in the ANZ Premiership.
The result leaves the Stars in third on the standings with three wins a loss, while the struggling Mystics remain winless in the national netball competition.
Silver Ferns shooter Maia Wilson led the hosts, landing 40 of her 48 shot attempts, while teammates Ellen Halpenny and Charlee Hodges shot 11/16 and 4/6 respectively.
The Stars dominated the opening three quarters at Bruce Pulman Arena, leading 42-30 after 45 minutes, but the Mystics weren’t ready to give up, closing the gap to just five points.
But their final-quarter surge wasn't enough, as the Stars held on to win by six goals.
Despite their loss, the performance of teenage shooter Grace Nweke provided a positive for the Mystics. The 17-year-old debuted off the bench in the third quarter and made 27 of her 33 shots.
The Stars' next game is against the undefeated Central Pulse on Monday in Auckland, while the Mystics will look to get their first win against the Mainland Tactix on Sunday.
Newshub.
