The Pulse showed little sign of missing Silver Ferns shooter Ameliaranne Ekenasio in dispatching the Tactix 52-40 for their third win in the national netball premiership.
Aliyah Dunn Photo: Photosport
Last year's beaten finalists, the Pulse have recorded three wins from as many games this season, and controlled today's game in Palmerston North competently, opening out a 16-10 lead after the first quarter.
The Tactix have been hard hit by early-season injuries, and sorely missed Silver Ferns midcourter Erikana Pedersen, out for the season with a ruptured knee ligament.
The Pulse were dealing with their own injury woes, with Ekenasio unable to take the court while being treated for concussion.
Her replacement, teenager Tiana Metuarau (11 from 14), showed her customary poise in immediately slotting in with Aliyah Dunn, whose 41 from 45 was a highlight of the game.
Shooting was high quality from all four shooters, but the difference was the volume of ball being placed in their hands.
For the Tactix, Ellie Bird sunk 28 from 31 and goal attack Kate Beveridge eight from 10, but the Pulse's 59 attempts overall was significantly higher that the Tactix's 41.
The Pulse led 28-21 at halftime and 41-30 at the three-quarter mark, Karin Burger's work at wing defence proving especially effective in disrupting the Tactix midcourt.
Captain Katrina Rore was equally efficient in the Tactix shooting circle, with two intercepts and seven deflections, earning her the MVP award.
The Pulse top the premiership ladder with nine points, two clear of the second-placed Southern Steel.
