In the zone

Dunedin goal attack Ella McKenzie looks for a pass during the national netball championship game against Central Lakes at the Edgar Centre yesterday.

Dunedin opened the tournament on home courts with a loss and a win.

A 44-31 loss to Auckland in the morning was followed by a 44-24 win over Central Lakes.

Central Lakes had earlier been beaten 59-23 by Cambridge, while Invercargill battled to a thrilling 48-48 draw with Waitakere.

Early warning signals were sent by North Harbour, who crushed Hutt Valley 63-32, and Tauranga, who thumped Christchurch Black 44-29.