Shaking off a disruptive season, Central Manawa have put their best foot forward to deliver a storming must-win match while boosting their play-off chances in the Synergy Hair Netball League (NNL).
Experienced co-captain Kiana Pelasio helped guide the young Manawa team to their best outing in a cut-throat campaign when dismantling the Northern Marvels 68-44.
Losing talented shooter Olivia Dijkstra to a knee injury before she'd played a game was compounded by the loss of defender and fellow Pulse training partner Madi Thomas to a season-ending wrist injury last week, forcing Manawa to dig deep.
And they did just that against the Marvels with all players getting court-time, including young Manawatu defender Kara Adrole making her debut.
Following narrow two and one-goal wins in what is a brutal quickfire one-round format, Manawa found their feet in the nick of time.
"I'm so glad we got that win," Pelasio said. "It feels like, finally, we're on the right track and it shows to us, each other and our team, that's what we can bring and now that's the standard."
Missing chunks of games through injury and illness, shooter Phoenix Schwalger was a prominent figure against the Marvels through her movement, strong hold and scoring ability to record an impressive perfect record of 40 goals for 40 attempts.
At the other end, rangy defender Zalika Clarke produced a stellar outing with six rebounds, four intercepts and seven deflections.
"Phoenix has really been that rock in our shooting circle during the games she's been able to play, and 40 out of 40 is absolutely incredible," Pelasio said
"All of our defenders today really stepped up and we had Kara's debut which is really awesome.
"It was fantastic to produce that scoreline. We had a good start, which we have been working on, so we really came out and pushed, and then we had Sarah (Guiney) out there absolutely knocking those two-point shots down (four from seven).
"I'm absolutely proud of everyone. It was such a team effort with everyone coming off the bench as well and we got everyone on which is great."
Unfortunately, the nature of a peculiar draw, means Manawa now have two weeks off before playing their last game of the regular season on June 29.
"We'll still be training twice a week and we'll also get released to play some club for the next two weeks which will keep our match-play going as well," Pelasio said.
As part of the NZ U21 squad, Schwalger and Guiney will be looking for further bigger performances to press their claims for inclusion in the New Zealand team to contest the World Youth Cup later this year.
Thomas is also in the frame and is remaining upbeat about her chances despite requiring surgery on her arm injury. Enjoying a productive season prior to the injury, Thomas is confident she has enough time to recover and be ready for selection.