It beat the Northern Mystics 53-44 in the first game of the ANZ Premiership pre-season tournament in Otaki.
Coach Reinga Bloxham was happy with the performance, the team having patches of strong play.
It shot out to an 8-2 lead with a strong start from the defensive trio of Abby Erwood, Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit and Wendy Frew.
While the Mystics got that back to 13-10 at the quarter break, the Steel did not relinquish the lead.
The margin remained the same at halftime, the score 26-23.
At that point, the Steel made some changes but that did not lessen its impact on the scoreboard. It took its lead to 42-32 at the final break.
Bloxham said the defensive trio put in a strong outing.
Young shooter Georgia Heffernan impressed, keeping her composure despite Mystics defenders Anna Harrison and Phoenix Karaka putting pressure on her.
Her twin sister, Kate, came on in the midcourt and delivered some nice balls, while Gina Crampton was strong feeding at wing attack.
The win was a confidence-booster for the side, although Bloxham felt there were still some key work-ons.
Those included doing a better job of treasuring the ball and applying more pressure in its through-court defence.
The Steel plays again today at noon against the Central Pulse, before finishing against the Northern Stars at noon tomorrow.
