The Islander reached her century during a tight Cadbury Netball Series defeat to New Zealand in Hamilton yesterday, although her latest appearance was marred by an ankle injury which resulted in the 30-year-old leaving the Claudelands Arena on crutches.
Guthrie is now a doubt for the third and final match of the series tomorrow – a dead-rubber following two Silver Ferns’ victories – but that has not overshadowed a rightful sense of achievement.
‘It’s been quite a big day in a very good way,’ she said. ‘I suppose I’ve never really realised or had a proper moment to reflect on my journey and the people that have been involved in it. So it’s been quite a humbling day. To date, it’s my best netball memory.’
Discussing her career highlights since making her debut against Malawi in 2008, the former Le Rocquier student said: ‘This one for sure, because of this moment, to look back and reflect and to celebrate with my friends, my family, my teammates. Of course that Commonwealth Games gold is always something that sticks in my mind as well. I enjoyed the general journey as well: the wins, the losses, the whole shebang really. I’m just looking forward to what comes after this.’
She added: ‘If someone had told 18-year-old Serena that I was going to get 100 I would have laughed them out of the room. To get to be here though… I’m so grateful, so appreciative. It will live in my memory forever.’
