Latu looking forward to semi

Northern Mystics goal shoot Cathrine Latu has been on an emotional rollercoaster over the last couple of weeks.
There was a feeling of hope when the Kawakawa netballer was named in the Silver Ferns squad, closely followed by huge disappointment when her appeal to play at the World Championships later this year at the end of a four-year stand down period was rejected.
But now all she is feeling is excitement, as her Northern Mystics team prepares to contest the ANZ Championship semifinals for the first time.
The Mystics - often labelled as under-achieving franchise in the competition, which is now in its fourth season - have played to their potential this season, and are now preparing to face the New South Wales Swifts tomorrow in the minor semifinal.
"It's a new feeling for us being in a semifinal ... Semis are so different to round robin games - everything changes and the intensity goes up a notch," Latu said. "We are all dealing with a few niggles after such an intense season, so we are all trying to look after ourselves, but the team are amped and ready to go."
The Swifts will be hard to beat on their home court in front of a sold-out crowd, but Latu said she had full faith in her team.
"They [Swifts] are strong both in attack and with their powerhouse defence. Throughout the court they have talent and flair but player for player we should be fine," she said.
To win, the team's players would all have to lift a notch, she added.
"Personally, I need to improve my game. I shot 17 from 17 in the round robin game against the Swifts - which might look good on paper, but that is not a good enough shooting rate. I need to be more available for the feeders - so they can find me, and we need to play like I know we can play," she said.
Latu admitted hearing the news she could not play at the World Champs in Singapore was shattering but she said making the ANZ Championship finals with the Mystics has remained her number one focus.
"It was really tough initially - it is something I have wanted for so many years.
"I was trying not to expect too much but my parents were so proud of me when I was named in the squad and I kind of bought into it ... it took me a while to process it ... but now as always, the Mystics are my main focus."
While she has not spoken future plans with the Mystics, Latu said she liked being close to her parents' home in the Bay of Islands and felt more at home in the north.