Rookie shooter Martina Salmon has stepped up to guide Central Pulse home 58-52 against winless Northern Stars, retaining their unbeaten record and reamining atop the ANZ Premiership.
Salmon's impressive 41/45 (91 percent) shooting display was much-needed, with the Wellingtonians reeling under a mounting injury toll that claimed Silver Ferns attacker Amelia Walmsley this week.
Walmsley will struggle to return for the competition playoffs, after suffering a knee injury against Mainland Tactix last week, joining fellow internationals Tiana Metuarau and Maddy Gordon on the sidelines.
A month ago, Salmon made her ANZ Premiership debut for Southern Steel, but has since moved north for more opportunities.
The Pulse jumped out early, building an 11-goal advantage by midway through the second quarter, and were still ahead 49-38 entering the final period.
Still chasing their first win of the season, the Stars closed to within four goals in the final minutes, but could not complete the comeback.
"I breathed a sigh of relief when that final whistle went," admitted Pulse captain Kelly Jackson. "The Stars really turned their defence on in that last quarter, but so proud of Martina... she shot the lights out.
"It's a bonus that she's a blond doppleganger of Mels [Walmsley] and the way she plays. She slotted in really well, she only trained with us once or twice this week."
The Pulse face Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic next Saturday, while the Stars will continue their chase of a win against the Tactix on May 27.
Central Pulse 58 (Salmon 41/45, Williamson 11/12, Pelasio 6/9) Northern Stars 52 (Wilson 35/40, Falkner 14/18, Samason 3/6)
