Auckland advanced after a hard-fought 41-39 win against Counties Manukau in their semifinal at the Edgar Centre yesterday afternoon.
Christchurch Red remains the only unbeaten team after securing a 33-29 win against Hamilton City.
Auckland held out Counties in an arm wrestle with several lead changes.
Counties led 13-11 at the end of the first quarter but Auckland came out of the break firing.
Catherine Hall and Charlotte Manley were impressive at the back, shutting down Counties’ shooters.
They helped Auckland go on a five goal unanswered run and kept Counties scoreless for the opening six minutes.
But Counties fought back to close the gap, as they did all game.
Goal shoot Jaelin Tulikaki was a strong target under the hoop, slotting 31 goals for Counties.
It was an arm wrestle with lead changes throughout, but eventually Auckland managed to pull away in the final quarter led by the calm head of former Northern Stars and Southern Steel shooter Jamie Hume.
In the other semifinal, Christchurch were too strong in the second half for Hamilton.
They worked hard as a unit, treasuring possession bringing the ball down the court.
Wing attack Paris Petera had a big work load with 34 feeds and goal attack Vika Koloto slotted 20 from 22 attempts.
Hamilton had a late surge but were stunted when centre Ali Wilshier went down with what appeared to be a serious injury.
Wilshier, who has signed for the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic next year, previously hurt her knee when she was with the Southern Steel.
In the other games today, Tauranga and North Harbour playoff for fifth and sixth, Invercargill face Manawatu for seventh and eighth and Cambridge and Waitakere battle for ninth and 10th.
Dunedin will playoff for 11th and 12th against Howick Pakuranga.
Central Lakes will play the Dunedin Invitational team in the pool for 17th to 20th.
