Ekenasio Returns to Pulse With 20-Goal Performance

Ameliaranne Ekenasio proved you can absolutely go home again, and do it brilliantly.

The netball veteran returned to Central Pulse after four seasons away, leading her team to a 53-45 victory against her former squad, the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic. She sank an incredible 20 goals from 21 attempts at Wellington's TSB Arena on Saturday, including a flawless 20 for 20 from one-point range.

The homecoming was extra sweet because Ekenasio spent the past four years playing for the very team she just defeated. Her accurate passing, confident shooting, and commanding presence in the circle showed she hasn't lost a step at age 35.

The win marks a strong start for the three-time champion Pulse, despite losing several star players to Australian leagues in the off-season. Their new shooting partnership of Ekenasio and South African international Ine-Marí Venter combined for 52 goals, proving the team rebuilt wisely.

Ekenasio's journey back to the Pulse follows her decision to step away from New Zealand's national team last year to focus on her physical and mental wellbeing. The 79-test veteran took time to prioritize herself, a choice that's clearly paying dividends now.

Why This Inspires

Ekenasio's performance reminds us that career paths don't have to be linear. Sometimes stepping away leads to the perfect comeback story.

Her decision to prioritize mental health over national team glory showed courage, and her triumphant return proves that taking care of yourself doesn't mean giving up on excellence. At an age when many athletes have retired, she's demonstrating she's still among New Zealand's best in her position.

The game also highlighted how the ANZ Premiership is thriving despite losing talent to international leagues. The reigning champion Mainland Tactix won decisively despite losing seven players from their title squad, while the Stars upset the favored Mystics in a thriller.

These teams are proving that fresh starts can spark championship-level play, and that opportunity creates its own kind of magic on the court.

Ekenasio's story shows that sometimes the best chapter comes after you've already written what you thought was the ending.