Result: Northern Group Tauranga Whai (65) are defeated by ANZCO Tokomanawa Queens (97)
Despite being without a win, the Queens continued to look dangerous, and the addition of 2025 MVP Kristy Wallace was only going to strengthen Tokomanawa's offence. Right from tip off, Wallace's impact would be felt. Alongside Krystal Leger-Walker, the duo would set up their team for the most dominant match of the Tauihi season. The Whai struggled to contain the offensive output the Queens would bring to Tauranga as Taylor Mikesell led the way with a barrage of 3's. Nici Gilday would put up 8 points in the first quarter to keep the Whai in it initially. But a tough second quarter for the Whai would put them as a large deficit. A 29-11 quarter would give the Queens a 28 point lead as they looked to be unstoppable. The third quarter gave the visitors an additional 10 points on top and it would be too much for the Whai to come back from. It was a landslide on route for the Queens' first win of the season.
Leading Players:
Northern Group Tauranga Whai: Laina Snyder (15p, 13r, 5a, 2s, 2b), Nici Gilday (15p, 1r, 2a, 3s), Emme Shearer (12p, 9r, 1b)
ANZCO Tokomanawa Queens: Taylor Mikesell (29p, 3r, 2a, 9 3PM), Penina Davidson (18p, 11r, 4a, 1s), Krystal Leger-Walker (13p, 3r, 6a, 9s, 1b)
MVP Votes:
Taylor Mikesell (Queens) - 9
Penina Davidson (Queens) - 7
Laina Snyder (Whai) - 6
Nici Gilday (Whai) - 4
Krystal Leger-Walker (Queens) - 2
Emme Shearer (Whai) - 2
Rapid League game:
Result: Tauranga Whai (24) defeat ANZCO Tokomanawa Queens (19)
In the first half, the Whai would deliver a masterclass in good shot selection, active hands and good defence as they'd take a dominant lead. They held the Queens to just 5 first half points while putting up 20 of their own. The 15 point lead they'd establish would have a chunk taken out of it as a scoreless third quarter from the Whai would give the Queens an opportunity back into the game. The visiting side would put up six points and then after few buckets in the fourth to close the gap to only 5. But the Whai would close it out as the two teams would trade buckets and the 5 point lead would carry through.
Leading Players:
Tauranga Whai: Eva Langton (9p, 5r, 1a, 1s), Shamar Broughton (6p, 2r, 2a, 1s), Emilee Tahata (3p, 4r, 1a, 1s)
ANZCO Tokomanawa Queens: Hana Lacey-Rameka (6p, 3r, 1s), Nahala Toeleiu (5p, 5r, 1a, 1b), Jade Kirisome (4p, 1r, 4s)
Rapid League MVP Votes:
Eva Langton (Whai) - 10
Shamar Broughton (Whai) - 7
Hana Lacey-Rameka (Queens) - 7
Emilee Tahata (Whai) - 2
Nahala Toeleiu (Queens) - 2
Jade Kirisome (Queens) - 2
