The Southern Steel welcomed back goal shoot Jhaniele Fowler-Reid and midcourter Shannon Francoise as they kept their unbeaten record in the ANZ Netball Premiership.
Jhaniele Fowler-Reid of the Steel high fives with the team. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Southern Steel made it 15 wins in a row with a 64-51 victory over the Pulse in Invercargil in the last round robin match of the season.
Fowler-Reid made a virtually seamless return, shooting 51 from 53, to earn MVP honours.
Cat Tuivaiti was the leading shooter for the Pulse with 28 from 29.
Steel captain Wendy Frew and Te Paea Selby-Rickit did not play, still out of action following last week's road accident in Christchurch.
Down 34-25 at halftime, the Pulse brought Te Amo Amaru-Tibble into the shooting circle, and later brought Sara Bayman back into centre; the change in attacking strategy appeared to pay dividends as they kept in scoring phase with the Steel.
Although the two sides drew the quarter, the Steel refused to give their visitors any opportunity to reduce the deficit, and led 49-40 going into the final stanza.
Both sides had already confirmed their play-off places with the Pulse hosting hosting next Sunday's Elimination Final.
