Mystics shooter Filda Vui (left) and Tactix defender Paris Lokotui (right). Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
The defending champion Mystics have beaten the Tactix 68-64 in Christchurch to book a place in the ANZ Premiership final against the Pulse next weekend.
If the Mystics can go back to back next weekend for the first time in their history, they will also equal the Pulse's record of three domestic netball titles.
The last time the sides met, the Mystics blew the Tactix off the court in the first quarter but the opening 15 minutes of today's game was very different.
Both sides scored quickly through the opening quarter and it finished 17-all.
After spending the majority of the game on the bench against the Pulse earlier this week, Ellie Bird started at goal shoot for the Tactix.
Mystics shooter Filda Vui replaced Dani Binks in the second quarter, and it continued to be a high scoring game.
Part-way through the second quarter Catherine Hall came on at goal keep, which saw Mystics defender Phoenix Karaka shift to goal defence.
Mystics shooter Grace Nweke stretches high over Tactix defender Jane Watson. Photo: Photosport
The Mystics just nudged ahead, to lead 35-33 at half-time.
Silver Ferns defenders Jane Watson and Karin Burger threw themselves at everything to try to limit the damage of Mystics shooter Grace Nweke.
At one point Paris Lokotui shifted to goal defence, while Burger went out to wing defence to try and limit the impact of Peta Toeava.
Jess Allan replaced Tactix goal attack Te Paea Selby-Rickit later in the third quarter, before the veteran returned with four minutes left in the game.
The Tactix won the third quarter by five goals to take a 49-46 lead heading into the final spell.
Marianne Delaney-Hoshek Photo: PHOTOSPORT
But the Mystics showed their class in the final quarter, and started to restrict the Tactix flow on attack.
Mystics midcourter Katie Te Ao came on strong when she replaced Tayla Earle at centre partway through the final quarter.
The Mystics won the final quarter by seven goals to deny the Tactix the chance to play for a maiden title and a fairy-tale send off for their coach Marianne Delaney-Hoshek who is stepping down.
Bird was voted player of the match after finishing with 55 from 56 at 98 percent.
Nweke finished the game with 60 from 70.
