Another standout for the Pulse was debutant Holly Comyns. The youngest player in the competition at 20 years old, Comyns played 57 minutes at goal keep, finishing with four gains, two intercepts and four deflections.
The Pulse defence had to work hard to shut down the Summerset Super Shot, with Magic shooter Saviour Tui continuing her fine form from last season by converting two-pointers in the first quarter. They were able to limit the damage, with the Magic sinking two more Super Shots in the final minutes.
With the Pulse flying out of the blocks, they forced Magic coach Mary-Jane Araroa to call a timeout less than six minutes into the game, when her side trailed 7-1.
The Magic struggled in their attacking third, with all 14 of their first-half turnovers coming from the midcourt and attack. However, a couple of Super Shots from Tui kept them in the contest and they headed into the first break four points down.
In the first half, the Pulse didn’t need to rely on the two-point shot, converting consistently from the one-point zone to hold a 28-19 lead at halftime. The team in yellow did not successfully score a Super Shot, instead backing their accuracy under the post.
Pulse co-captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio faced her former Magic teammates for the first time. Ekenasio shot at 100% in the one-point zone, finishing with 20 goals.
With Australian import Lili Gorman-Brown rested because of a calf strain, Pulse training partner Skylah Tainui-Takerei played the full match at wing attack, leading the feeds with 23.
The Pulse have now won 22 of their 26 matches against the Magic, who are the only team yet to reach an ANZ Premiership Grand Final, with their best finish fourth.
There were plenty of positives for the Magic to take from the loss, including winning the final quarter 16-11 and improving their discipline around turnovers and errors.
