Kia Magic through to NZ Conference Final
Kia Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic posted a thrilling extra time 71-69 win over the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel in Hamilton on Saturday in the NZ Conference Elimination Final.They will now face the SKYCITY Mystics on Monday night at The Trusts Arena in Auckland in the NZ Conference Final.
Cheer on your team – purchase tickets to the game!
There were no surprises in either of the two young, starting line-ups. Malia Paseka and Kristiana Manu’a got the nod at goal attack and goal keeper respectively for the Kia Magic while the Steel retained their familiar starting seven of recent weeks.
Wing attack Grace Rasmussen was a key figure with her flair, vision and perfect placement into shooters Joanne Harten and Paseka.
There was very little between the teams in a tight and even opening half, the Magic heading into the main break holding a 30-28 lead.
Both teams made changes for the second half with Casey Kopua replacing Manu’a in Kia Magic’s line-up. Steel also made a defensive change with Jane Watson coming on for Storm Purvis as the tide began to turn the visitor’s way during a telling third stanza.
Four unanswered goals helped Steel hit the lead for the first time within five minutes, Kia Magic clawing it back before the visitor’s gained the upper hand.
With a rock solid Gina Crampton on attack, timely turnovers from athletic defender Phoenix Karaka and the unstoppable Jhaniele Fowler-Reid converting all that came her way, the Steel made massive strides when taking a 46-40 lead into the last break.
Trailing by six goals at three-quarter time, the outlook was looking grim for the Kia Magic but the injection of Ellen Halpenny (goal attack) and Aisha Bower (wing defence) had the desired effect.
Kia Magic mounted an impressive fourth quarter comeback spurred on by a vocal home crowd. Continuing her impressive form under the post, Harten tied the scores at 58-apiece at the end of regular time to bring the crowd to their feet and send the game into extra time.
The first seven minutes of extra time ended in a 63-all stalemate. But it was the Kia Magic who went on to take the edge in the second stanza after they scored the first three goals to run-out two-goal victors.
Fans can watch the Kia Magic against the SKYCITY Mystics in the NZ Conference Final at The Trusts Arena in Auckland on Monday 8 June from 7:40pm.
Tickets are available through Eventfinder with the match live on SKY Sport 1.
