The Stars have had their ANZ Premiership finals aspirations take a dent, following a 52-47 loss to the Tactix in Auckland.
The match opened with a vicious finals intensity about it, with both teams chasing an important win deep into the season.
The Pulman Arena crowd would've felt a sense of familiarity looking at the Tactix starting seven taking the court, with five former Stars donning the red dress.
Holly Mather, Fa'amu Muliaga, Charlie Bell, Gina Crampton and Amorangi Malesala were all featuring for the Tactix.
It would be the visitors who would be the first to blink after a controlled sparring period, turning over the ball and paying for it, with the Stars going on a run and opening up a handy five goal lead.
Samon Nathan looked composed in the centre bib for the Stars, slotting in for captain Mila Reuelu-Buchanan, who was sidelined with a knee niggle.
The Tactix showcased their championship grit late in the quarter, overturning the deficit and leading by a single goal, before Stars sharpshooter Martina Salmon awoke the Pulman Arena faithful with a two-point bomb to end the quarter and put the Stars ahead 15-14 at the first break.
The Stars began the second quarter strongly, with the introduction of Leana de Bruin into the defence alongside Kate Burley, they quickly imposed themselves on the Tactix shooters and reaped reward.
The Stars edged out to a three goal advantage, with Amelia Walmsley strong in front of goal.
The Stars lost their way in the final half of the quarter, lacking accuracy in the attacking third, which allowed the Tactix to pounce and punish, giving them momentum and the lead, as they stormed ahead 29-23 at half-time.
The Stars surged into the second half full of intent and stunned the Tactix with a relentless run, to close the gap to a solitary goal. The pressure from the defensive end was immense and the shooting precise.
Unfortunately for the Stars, as was the narrative for much of the contest, they couldn't sustain the wave of momentum and the Tactix were able to take control yet again and extend out to a healthy six goal buffer.
The injection of Teuila Sotutu at centre was a timely one for the Stars, as she showcased some flair and classy touches to keep the Stars in the fight and they went into the final quarter down by four, 41-37.
The Stars were valiant in the final period, doing all they could to overturn the margin, with desperate play, but couldn't quite do enough.
In the end scoreboard pressure was telling and despite glimmers of hope, the Stars ended the match on the wrong side of the ledger 52-47.
The Stars didn't come away from the match empty-handed, collecting an important bonus point, to be two points behind the third placed Mystics, with three games to play.
The Stars head down the motorway to Hamilton to meet the Magic next Saturday afternoon.
