Extra-time heartbreak for Steel as Mystics snatch victory in Invercargill

Monday, 1 June 2026

Goal shoot Aliyah Dunn was again outstanding for the Southern Steel.

A poor first quarter and extra-time saw the Steel slip to an eight-goal loss to the Northern Mystics at ILT Stadium Southland on Sunday.

The 61–53 defeat, played in front of close to 3000 people, also saw them fail to grab a bonus point, slipping to third in the standings.

A win would have guaranteed the Steel a spot in the playoffs and kept them on track to host a home final.

With two games remaining, they must win their final two matches and hope the Tactix can beat the Mystics next weekend to set up a final-round blockbuster in Invercargill.

The home side was without skipper Kimiora Poi, who missed the match with a calf niggle. In her absence, Australian injury replacement Jessica Laga’aia, who has previously played for the Queensland Firebirds, took the centre bib.

A slow start saw the Steel 16-9 down at quarter-time, a lead which blossomed to 10 early in the second quarter before the Steel hit their straps and tied proceedings at 25-all by halftime.

The third quarter was even, but a couple of silly errors from the home team allowed the Mystics to sneak ahead 40–38 thanks to a two-point shot from Filda Vui.

In the final quarter, the Steel rallied from a four-goal deficit to draw the game at 52-all and force extra time. However, errors allowed the Mystics to dominate the two three-minute periods.

Goal keep Carys Stythe was again the Steel’s best, winning several turnovers and rebounds while pushing her case for selection in the Silver Ferns Commonwealth Games squad for Glasgow. Laga’aia and goal scoring machine Aliyah Dunn were also strong for the Steel.

Goal keep Carys Stythe was again the Southern Steel’s best player.

Stythe said it was disappointing not to win in front of such a big crowd.

“Yeah, it was, but I am really proud of the way we came back in the second quarter,” she said. “I think it was 16-9 at one point - that is really good from the girls to do that.

“We could have given up and not fought, but [coach] Wendy [Frew] backed us the entire time. We stuck our foot down and gave it to them. We’re gutted we couldn’t get it done for the fans, but we love them and really appreciate their support.”

Stythe said the coaches let her be herself, which was key.

“I am pleased we are building as a unit and I do get lots of ball back there, but it’s because of what they all do up the court, which is what everyone says, but they do a lot of work out there,” she said.

Stythe said she was loving life in Invercargill.

Srerina Daunakamakama continues to play well in the wing attack bib for the Southern Steel.

“I am enjoying it. We’re all so close and the people are great. We do everything together and we’re like a family on the court.”

Next up is a clash against the Stars in Auckland that the Steel simply must win.

“We’re going up there to win. We know they’ve been on a bit of a losing streak and will be hurting after losing to the Magic, so we need to go do our homework and make sure we go up there and get the win.”

The Silver Ferns squad is set to be named this week for the Commonwealth Games, and there is hope a couple of Steel names are on the list.