Showing more polish than their opener against the Southern Steel earlier in the week, the Mystics reaped the benefit of having a match under their belts while the Pulse struggled in several areas as they came to grips with playing their first match of the season.
It was all one-way traffic in the first half as the Mystics asserted their dominance. Stacked with talent, the visitors ran rampant across most areas of the court, none more so than ever-consistent shooter Cathrine Latu who shot the perfect game with 36 goals from 36 attempts as she ran riot in the circle.
Wily Australian import Megan Dehn was elevated to the Mystics starting line-up after her impressive impact from the bench in the opening round against Steel. Slotting in at wing attack, Dehns inclusion meant one of Mystics five Silver Ferns Grace Rasmussen was forced to the bench.
However, Dehns experience shores up an area where the Mystics have shown vulnerability in the past and her presence is an invaluable asset.
The Mystics made a purposeful start, rattling in a succession of easy goals as the home team struggled to find any rhythm or consistency. Latu ruled the circle with her perfect positioning under the hoop and deft feeds from Temepara George and Dehn.
George and Joline Henry stifled Pulses attacking options with solid defensive work while the uncompromising tactics of in-circle defenders Anna Scarlett and rising talent Kayla Cullen meant a shaky start for the home teams shooters.
A more settled Pulse injected themselves back into the game with a strong passage, marquee Australian signing Caitlin Thwaites, from the Melbourne Vixens, showing her shooting pedigree with better accuracy under the hoop.
There was a fast and furious finish to the end of the first stanza, the Mystics rolling to a 16-10 advantage on the back of a perfect 12 goals from 12 attempts from Latu.
The Mystics laid the platform for a completely dominant second quarter by scoring the first three goals. George and Henry continued to stifle the Pulse through their attacking third where the home team really struggled while the inspirational George also ran the Mystic ship on attack.
Her rapport with Latu was exceptional, the shooter carrying on her impeccable form with 23 from 23 for the first half.
Amber Bellringer replaced Te Amo Amaru-Tibble at goal attack, but Thwaites lacked good ball and a support shooter with the Pulse folding under the pressure as the Mystics continued their dominance to push the score out to a 29-17 halftime lead.
Changes at both ends of the court paid dividends for the home team, who shared an even third quarter during which both teams scored 14 goals. But the damage had already been done, the Mystics line-up brimming with confidence and playing accordingly.
Dictating terms, the Mystics showed accuracy and poise on attack while their defensive efforts played havoc with the Pulses ability to penetrate as they headed to a healthy 43-31 lead at the last break.
Changes to the Mystics in the run home gave the Pulse some parity in a competitive second half.
