Aliyah Dunn Delivers Flawless Performance as Southern Steel Overpowers Northern Mystics

Aliyah Dunn’s flawless 47 for 47 performance propels Southern Steel to victory over Northern Mystics. The win moves Steel to second in the ANZ Premiership.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 27, 2026, 4:04 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

A Tale of Two Halves in Auckland

The ANZ Premiership clash in Auckland began as a tightly contested affair, with the Southern Steel and Northern Mystics trading goals in a high pressure environment. Early in the first quarter, the Steel managed to carve out a slim three goal lead at 8-5, but the advantage was short lived. The Mystics demonstrated significant resilience, fighting back to level the score at 26-all by the halftime whistle. The opening 30 minutes were characterized by intense midcourt battles and clinical finishing from both sides, leaving the result in the balance as the teams entered the break.

Dunn Dominates with Perfect Accuracy

The decisive factor in the match was the extraordinary performance of Steel shooter Aliyah Dunn. In a display of composure and technical precision, Dunn successfully converted every single one of her 47 attempts at goal. This 100 percent shooting accuracy provided the backbone for the Steel’s offensive strategy, allowing them to capitalize on every entry into the shooting circle. Dunn’s dominance forced the Mystics’ defenders into difficult positions, ultimately leading to a breakdown in their defensive structure during the critical second half.

Third Quarter Surge Secures the Advantage

The match was effectively won in the third quarter, where the Southern Steel finally managed to break the Mystics’ resistance. Outscoring their rivals 16-10 during this period, the Steel established a lead that the Auckland based side could not overcome. The momentum continued into the final quarter, as the Steel’s tactical discipline remained high. By the end of the match, the Steel had secured a 56 percent possession advantage, a statistic that reflected their superior control of the tempo and their ability to starve the Mystics of scoring opportunities.