The Stars have opened the new ANZ Premiership campaign with a spirited 63-59 win over the Mystics in a pulsating Auckland contest.
It's the Stars' first win over their rivals since 2023.
The Stars unveiled a number of new faces to the Pulman Arena crowd, with the new-look shooting combo of Silver Ferns Martina Salmon and Amelia Walmsley showcasing some classy touches early on.
It would've taken the Stars faithful some time to adjust to the sight of long-time captain Maia Wilson now donning Mystics blue and she produced a solid outing in her debut for the cross-city rivals.
New captain Mila Reuelu-Buchanan was at her industrious best, paired with mid-court debutants Claire O'Brien at wing attack and Comets graduate Abbie Leger wearing the wing defence bib.
Both teams burst out of the blocks, with the game played at a fast and furious pace, in a first quarter full of promise for the Stars, as they led 18-16.
Walmsley and Salmon found themselves entangled in an epic battle with Catherine Hall and Phoenix Karaka, who were relentless whenever the ball went inside the shooting circle and forced the Stars shooting duo to be at their best all game.
The Stars gave up some cheap possession early in the second quarter and were punished, as the momentum pendulum swung in the Mystics' favour and suddenly they had a four-goal lead.
At risk of staring down the barrel of a hefty half-time deficit, the sound of the super shot siren was music to Martina Salmon's ears, as she drained two consecutive two-pointers to finish the quarter and see the Stars down by a single goal, 30-29 at the break.
Blows were traded early in the second half, before the Stars enjoyed a surge in their favour - going on a ruthless run to open up a commanding six-goal lead. However, as seemed to be the theme of the contest, no lead was safe and the Mystics counter-punched with some swift strikes of their own to lock up the contest 47-all heading into the last round.
The Stars' class shone through in many moments throughout the fourth quarter, kicking clear by five goals early with some silky play.
The Stars remained stoic under pressure in the closing moments, to record a memorable 63-59 victory.
Defensive dynamo Kate Burley was outstanding in her return from injury, leading the way with five intercepts and her connection with Aimee Landrigan blossomed as the game progressed.
Salmon and Walmsley were polished in front of goal, both shooting at a classy 93 percent and landing 31 and 29 goals respectively.
The Stars next head to Invercargill to take on the Steel on Saturday.
