Grant: we have to stop them in their tracks

It’s been a long time in the making but for Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse captain Katrina Grant, Sunday’s ANZ Premiership Elimination Final in Wellington can’t come soon enough.

Breaking new ground has become a hallmark for the Pulse this year after clinching a spot in the Finals Series for the first time in the Club’s history, where they will meet the SKYCITY Mystics for a place in the June 28 Grand Final.

GET TICKETS | Elimination Final, PULSE v MYSTICS

For the long-serving Grant, 30, who has been the one constant in the Pulse since venturing north from the Southern Steel in 2010, it is a standout moment in her long association with the Wellington-based team.

In terrific form this campaign, there have been plenty of harrowing and challenging times for the lithe defender during her eight years with the Pulse, seven as captain, but she has remained loyal.

“Just being a part of all this is pretty exciting,” she said. “In the past there were years of potential but we never really got there, so it’s nice to recognise it’s the first time and it is so good for our Club.

“We’ve worked really hard to get where we are and this season definitely feels different to the ones in the past. It hasn’t been perfect but a lot has clicked into place, there’s a mix of young and experienced players where both are able to feed off the other, our coaching panel has been amazing and we’ve been really lucky to have their expertise.”

The Mystics unexpected loss to the Silvermoon Tactix in the last round of the regular season, which put their Finals Series hopes in jeopardy, has probably not done the Pulse any favours.

“Mystics will be firing,” was Grant’s quick assessment. “They’ll be wanting to prove a point and show what they’re really made of. We have to stop them in their tracks, just play our game and do what we know how to do well, and that’s playing with flair and freedom.”

It will be important for the Pulse to get into the contest early, with sharp shooters Maria Tutaia and Bailey Mes in the opposition, they’re not the sort of team you want to be playing catch-up against.

The Pulse were well-beaten, by 11 goals, the last time the pair met and Grant is hopeful they have learnt their lesson.

“We were guilty of not starting with a huge amount of intensity. We were not happy with that game, didn’t play well and know we can do a lot better, so that was a learning curve,” she said.

“Now we have the opportunity to make amends and ultimately go away with a win from a home Elimination Final.”

The Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse will face the SKYCITY Mystics on Sunday 25 June in the ANZ Premiership Elimination Final. Tickets for the match at TSB Bank Arena, Wellington, go on sale to the general public from 9am, Friday 23 June – GET TICKETS.

Can’t make it to the game? Fans can tune in via SKY Sport 1, Radio Sport and the ANZ Premiership Facebook page (outside NZ) from 2pm for live coverage.