Reigning premiers Melbourne Vixens have started the ANZ Championship with a win against Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic in Melbourne, 48-40.
The Vixens led at every break but the match was evenly contested until the final whistle on Monday night in the final match of the opening round.
The victory was extra pleasing for the Vixens, who were missing Julie Corletto. The key defender is still recovering from knee surgery.
The New Zealand side came within five of the lead during the match's final minutes, but the experience of Demelza McCloud, who was brought out of retirement to replace Corletto, and Natasha Chokljat helped the Vixens come away with the win.
Captain Sharelle McMahon returned from her second knee surgery in 12 months and led the way for the winners shooting 23 from 27 attempts.
The Magic, led by Centre Laura Langman, began the match well and built an early lead.
But turnovers from the visitors allowed the Vixens to move into the lead.
Magic spearhead Irene van Dyk played in the less-familiar role of goal shooter but was well-held by Vixens goal keeper Bianca Chatfield.
For the Vixens, goal shooter Caitlin Thwaites shot seven from seven despite close checking from defender Casey Williams.
Peta Scholz made a successful comeback for the Magic. The former Australian international propelled her side to a five-goal lead during the second quarter.
But ultimately the Magic's poor accuracy cost them an upset win. The New Zealand side could only manage less than 70 percent of conversions in the first half.
The Vixens were the only Australian team to win in Round 1. West Coast Fever and Thunderbirds lost to Southern Steel and Northern Mystics in New Zealand.