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New Zealand based side Haier Pulse will be looking to capitalise on excellent trades and re-signings, in order to challenge at the top in 2013.
The Haier Pulse’s new-look logo for the 2013 ANZ Championship season. Image: facebook.com
Following a seventh place finish last year with only five wins, the Haier Pulse will be looking for improvement- namely a finals berth- during this year’s competition.
The Pulse did well during the off-season trade, gaining former Southern Steel shooter and Silver Fern Donna Wilkins, plus another New Zealand international in Liana Leota who has returned to New Zealand after having lived in England with her rugby-playing husband.
They also gain former New Zealand Under 21 centre-court player Claire Kersten, who will add depth to the Pulse shooting circle, along with resident shooters Amber Bellringer, Paula Griffin and Caitlin Thwaites
Captain and Silver Fern Katrina Grant will no doubt star for her side again in 2013, following her resigning with the Pulse.
Another bonus is the re-addition of fellow Silver Fern and vice-captain Joline Henry, who is welcomed back following the birth of her baby earlier this year.
The Pulse did not participate in the Melbourne Vixens Summer Challenge, opting like fellow New Zealand team Kia Magic, to continue their own pre-season at home.
They played a series of games including ones against the Easiyo Tactix and reigning champions Kia Magic- taking the win by 25 goals over the Tactix and managing to push the champions, only losing 78-71.
The Pulse will play their first game of the 2013 ANZ Championship away against the Adelaide Thunderbirds on March 24.
2013 Pulse Squad:
Katrina Grant, Joline Henry, Amber Bellringer, Paula Griffin, Claire Kersten, Camilla Lees, Liana Leota, Te Huinga Selby Rickit, Victoria Smith, Caitlin Thwaites, Daya Wiffen, Donna Wilkins
Maddi Vantarakis 