MissQuote.ie Super League and Division 1 Round 1 wrap

DCU Mercy began the defence of their MissQuote.ie Super League title with a 20-point win over WIT Waterford Wildcats at the DCU Arena. Their two new Americans Alarie Mayze (22) and Bailey Greenberg (20) were to the fore on debut. “Yes, they played well both of them, Bailey had strong first half and Alarie strong second half”, head coach Mark Ingle said.

Asked what the most pleasing aspect of the 77-57 win, Ingle added “It was debuts for four of our players, so it was also good to play again after the long lay off.” Emma Carroll and Rachel Brennan were the other two players to make their Super League bow, having come through DCU Mercy’s U20 team.

The Address UCC Glanmire are the early table toppers in the MissQuote.ie Super League after their 112-41 win over Team Garvey’s St. Mary’s in the first National League fixture to be played in 19 months, as they faced each other at the Mardyke Arena on Friday night. Their American Gianna Smith led their scoring on 29 points, with Ireland internationals Claire O’Sullivan and Aine McKenna contributing 18 and 17 points respectively.

The Address UCC Glanmire head coach Mark Scannell said: “Look you saw how much it meant to the girls just to be back playing. We passed the ball well and everyone worked hard. Good start, but lots of work to do.”

The 2019/20 Division One champions Trinity Meteors got off to a good start in the MissQuote.ie Super League, edging Fr. Mathews 67-64 at Fr. Mathews Arena. They had to come from behind, trailing 37-30 at half-time, but a strong third quarter saw Vincent O’Keeffe’s side turn the game in their favour and led 49-43 going into the final quarter, clinging on for victory. Trinity Meteors’ new signing from Maree, Dayna Finn, led the scoring with 19, while Sarah Kenny had 16 points. The experienced Gráinne Dwyer picked up 22 points for Fr. Mathews.

Trinity Meteors head coach Vincent O’Keeffe said: “I am really delighted with our win. We have such a young team, many of whom are just starting out on their Super League journey, and to see how hard they fought for each other was something special. Anytime you come away from Cork with a win, especially against a team as experienced and talented as Fr. Matthew's are, you know you have achieved something noteworthy as a team.”

Leixlip Amenities Liffey Celtics were 12-point winners over Killester, 65-53 Adrienne Jackson top scored for the home side with 16, while Killester’s American Myah Taylor accumulated 23 points which wasn’t enough to avoid defeat.

Singleton Supervalu Brunell won 81-54 at IT Carlow Basketball, Shannon Ryan led their scoring with 18 points, with Katie Walsh draining 13. American Alyssa Velles topped the scoring charts for IT Carlow Basketball with 18, with Lucy Coogan getting 16.   

In the MissQuote.ie Divison 1 National League debutants LYIT Donegal lost 78-52 at Swords Thunder. It was a first game in charge for Sword Thunder's new player/coach Niamh O'Donovan. O'Donovan has been with the club since 2018, but has taken on the additional coaching responsibilities after Joan Black decided to step aside, having guided the club since it entered the National League in 2017.

There were also wins for Ulster University, Tipperary Knights, Limerick Sport Huskies and NUIG Mystics