Mystics Look Beyond Loss

It wasn’t the start the LG Mystics wanted as they lost in the first match of the season to the last year's runners-up Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic at Trusts Stadium in front of a capacity crowd.

The Magic, fielding six Silver Ferns in attack and defence who were linked by Samoa international Frances Solia at centre won the match 51-38 using ruthless efficiency which had the Mystics playing catch up for most of the game.

At the first quarter the Magic had raced out to a 16-8 and then setting the foundation for a 33-20 lead at halftime.

The Mystics started the game well with three unanswered goals but as the match progressed weren’t able to unlock the Magic's circle with Casey Williams and Leana de Bruin putting up a formidable defensive wall that limited them to 48 attempts at goal in total.

Magic's starting shooters Cathrine Latu and Grace Rasmussen shot at 92 and 90 percent respectively in the first half but only shared 22 attempts at goal.

At the other end of the court, Irene van Dyk and Maria Tutaia had an ample supply of ammunition from Solia and wing attack Laura Langman.

Together, they made 39 attempts in the first half with van Dyk sinking 24 from 26. Overall, Van Dyk sank 31 from 37 for 84 percent while Tutaia was equally impressive, landing 20 from 27, mostly from long range for 74 percent.

The defensive combination of Vili Davu and Steph Bond gained some control by keeping the Magic to 18 goal in each of the final two quarters. In fact the Mystics had the better of the later stages of the game slowing things down to outscore the Magic 10-8 in the last 15 minutes.

A disappointed Mystics coach, Te Aroha Keenan spelt out the fact her team just wasn’t in the match when it really counted.

“Pre-season means nothing. Our form prior to the competition was good, but it doesn’t count for anything in the real thing. They (the Magic) were too good on the night and we didn’t achieve a number of our personal goal,” she believes there is better to come from her side. “They (the Mystics) are a resilient bunch and one game does not make the season.”

The LG Mystics get a chance for redemption in their next match which is against the Central Pulse at the North Shore Events Centre at 6.45pm, Easter Sunday. It is expected that English international Pamela Cookey will be available for this contest.

The Pulse were winless last year and lost their first up match to the Steel this season and have had some internal ructions. Their side contains former Mysitc player, Paula Griffin and Jamaican defender Althea Byfield.

Tickets for the Pulse match can be purchased by phoning 0800 4TICKET (0800 4842538) or at www.ticketdirect.co.nz or at the gate.