Stars Fall To Mystics In Season Opener On North Shore

A valiant Go Media Stars outfit have gone down 71-55 to the Mystics in their ANZ Premiership season opener on Auckland's North Shore.

An exciting new era dawned on the competition, with new rule variations, including a two-point super shot, which became available for teams during the final five minutes of each quarter, a coaches time-out each half and introduction of a coaches box.

The Stars made a heartening start to the contest and showed polish on attack and defence to shoot out to a four goal lead early in the opening quarter. The Stars tried to maintain their quick pace and with that, errors began to creep in, which allowed the Mystics to fight back and draw the game level past the mid-way point.

The sound of the two-point hooter sparked both sides into a shooting frenzy, with new Australian shooter Charlie Bell becoming the first Stars player to score from the two-point mark with her first attempt, in amongst a strong start to her Stars career.

Bell and Wilson synced superbly, adding another four two-point shots to take a 22-20 lead after the first period.

The Stars continued their good work at the start of the second quarter, but a break in play stunted momentum and the Mystics pounced, applying pressure and chipping into a seven-goal lead the Stars had notched up swiftly.

Mid-courter Greer Sinclair left the game in the first quarter with a suspected knee injury and with centre Mila Reuelu-Buchanan on a minutes restriction, in her first game since injuring her knee in round 8 last year, the Stars struggled for continuity and flow throughout the court, turning over possession frequently, as the Mystics took the lead.

Neither team could find space to muster up a clean two point shot attempt, but the Stars finished the half strong and found themselves down 35-32 at the break.

Both sides traded blows to start the third quarter, before the Mystics extended their advantage to as much as 7 goals, with the Stars frustratingly missing out on a number of 50/50 balls throughout the contest. The Stars showcased their toughness and resilience though and bounced back with a run of their own, led by Bell and got within three.

The Stars suffered another blow, when inspirational defender Kate Burley left the court with a suspected lower leg injury, which further heaped pressure on a short handed Stars for the remainder of the match.

The Mystics kicked into gear again, to finish the third quarter up 53-45.

The Stars tried their hardest to the very end, contesting every Mystics possession and producing some play to be proud of, as they finished the match down 71-55.

Stars debutant Remi Kamo worked tirelessly throughout the match at the defensive end and Tori Kolose had promising glimpses in the mid-court, after being elevated from training partner to the full-time squad.

The Stars are at home for the first time next Sunday when they host the Tactix at Pulman Arena.

Go Media Stars: 55
Northern Mystics: 71

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