Paseka becomes Silver Fern #158
Injected into the game at goal shooter, Paseka became the 158th Silver Fern to take the court in a black dress since 1938.
Silver Ferns coach Waimarama Taumaunu liked what she saw from the debutant.
“I was happy, she put up 17 shots, hit 14 and rebounded two so pretty good shooting,” Taumaunu said.
“She was a bit nervous but she warmed up really well and went on well and after that nervous first shot recovered really well.”
Paseka, although showing some early nerves, finished the match shooting at 83 per cent.
“It was really good, I was happy to come on in the final quarter,” Paseka said.
“I was really excited and nervous at the same time.”
Paseka says the stability of having experienced players around her on court helped to calm the nerves.
“I think having Jodi (Brown) there, she backed me up throughout the game and having Laura (Langman) and G (Grace Rasmussen) on the circle edge helped me feel comfortable.”
Paseka said the Test Match was a step up from what she has experienced in the ANZ Championship.
“The intensity did lift and the ball came down really quickly but it got to me really safe, so I was happy in the end,” she said.
The Silver Ferns are now looking ahead to the two-Test New World Netball Series for the Taini Jamison Trophy against South Africa’s SPAR Proteas as the road to the Netball World Cup SYDNEY 2015 continues – get tickets
Fans have the opportunity to farewell the Silver Ferns at a special presentation at the conclusion of the third Test Match against the SPAR Proteas on Tuesday 28 July at The Trusts Arena, Auckland – secure your seat and support Malia and the team on the road to NWC2015!
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