The table-topping Vixens would have guaranteed themselves the regular season honour and top seeding going into next week's playoffs but instead stumbled to a fourth loss of the season at Invercargill yesterday.
The second-placed NSW Swifts will claim the minor premiership and home advantage in next week's major semi-final against the Vixens if they beat the Northern Mystics in Auckland on Sunday.
Uncharacteristic errors plagued the Vixens, who bolted 8-3 ahead early but were just 14-13 up after the first quarter.
A seven-goal streak early in the second quarter gave the Steel a lead they weren't to relinquish, even though their opponents came close on several occasions.
The hosts led 29-28 at halftime and 50-45 up going into the final stanza before being gradually hauled back by the Vixens.
The scores were tied 64-64 in the final minute but prolific Steel shooter Jhaniele Fowler-Reid slotted the decisive goal with seven seconds on the clock.
Fowler-Reid, who finished with 44 goals from 48 shots, was in doubt for the game but her height and accuracy proved too much for a Vixens defence which has been comfortably the stingiest in the ANZ Championship.
She was well served by midcourters Shannon Francois and Phillipa Finch, who sent a stream of high passes beyond the reach of Bianca Chatfield and Geva Mentor.
Vixens goal attack Tegan Caldwell finished with 34 from 38 while veteran Catherine Cox (17/19) replaced Karyn Bailey (13/13) at goal shoot at halftime.
It was a bright finish to the season for the Steel, who won seven of their 13 games and will finish fifth or sixth, two points outside the playoffs.
