Kayla Cullen in action for the Mystics. Photo / Getty Images
The Northern Mystics' promising start to the transtasman league could unravel just as quickly if they don't find a cure for their fourth-quarter wobbles before tomorrow's clash against heavyweights the Melbourne Vixens.
After a disappointing showing against the Magic last week, in which they folded meekly in the final quarter,
the Mystics will be looking for a much more ruthless display against the Vixens.
For the Mystics, a strong performance against the star-studded Vixens line-up is important for many reasons.
Another unconvincing performance would see that nagging tag as the league underachievers surface again, while a loss would put the Mystics under huge pressure heading in to a difficult stretch of games.
After this weekend's clash they play their return match against the Magic, before heading to Australia to take on the defending champion Adelaide Thunderbirds. They then return home to host the Queensland Firebirds, who are top of the the table after a scorching start to the season.
But the Melbourne side, one of the favourites to take the 2011 title, present an extremely tough challenge for the Mystics, who will be without aggressive defender Joline Henry. The Silver Fern star is still recovering from an ankle injury received in her side's round two win over the Pulse.
And with the Mystics up against an extremely talented Vixens forward line that includes Australian stars Kate Beveridge, Sharelle McMahon and Madison Browne, Henry's experience will be sorely missed.
The onus will therefore fall on the Mystics' attack end to be equally as damaging.
Mystics shooter Maria Tutaia has posted some dreadful numbers in the opening rounds of the competition and the Auckland side will need a much better contribution from their star Silver Fern tomorrow night.
In the weekend's other matches, the Central Pulse take on the Thunderbirds in Adelaide today, while the Southern Steel have a tough assignment facing the Firebirds in Brisbane tomorrow.
