FloMAX Liffey Celtics were unable to carry the momentum generated from last week’s Paudie O’Connor National Cup success back into their Women’s Super League campaign as they suffered an 81-76 reversal on the road against Trinity Meteors.
A huge third-quarter performance, in which they outgunned Celtics by 22 points, propelled Trinity to victory, despite their Leixlip rivals recouping 13 in the fourth.
Both teams had four players in double figures by the final buzzer, with Emma Merriweather and Sarah Kenny together amassing 34 points and 28 rebounds for Meteors, while Sorcha Tiernan, on 20, was the most prolific for Celtics.
SETU Waterford Wildcats took the opportunity to move back level with Liffey Celtics at the top of the table, and with a game in hand to boot, after they dug out an 86-81 win over The Address UCC Glanmire in Mercy College on Saturday evening.
Ashia McCalla finished on a game-high 29 points for the hosts, while Sarah Hickey and Chelsea Cain also weighed in considerably with a combined 33 points and as many rebounds to see off a tough Glanmire outfit that emerged from this tie with five players in double digits, including DelJanae Williams (17) and Callie Cavanaugh (16).
Midlands Park Portlaoise Panthers arrested a four-game losing streak after they surmounted Catalyst Fr Mathews 79-65 at St Mary’s Hall on Saturday night.
A big opening quarter that saw them open up a 15-point lead laid the groundwork for this much-needed victory for the Laois outfit, who certainly benefitted from the long-awaited return of Jessica Fressle to their roster. The American chalked up 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Alyssa Velles hit a game-high 24 that included five conversions from beyond the arc.
Fr Mathews had four players in double digits, including Grainne Dwyer and Makeda Nicholas on a combined 30, but it not enough to inspire a comeback by the Cork side.
A big fourth-quarter surge saw Utility Trust St Paul’s turn a 10-point deficit into a thrilling 71-70 victory at home to Gurranabraher Credit Union Brunell on Saturday evening.
Gracen Kerr enjoyed a sensational closing 10 minutes to this tie, serving up 16 points for the hosts to take her overall tally to 24, while Alexandra Wittinger also made a huge impact on proceedings with 16 points and as many rebounds.
For Brunell, this game marked another step in the return to full match-fitness for Ireland international Edel Thornton, who combined with Trinity Hudson for 34 points.
