MissQuote.ie National League Round-up: 5th - 7th Nov

DCU Mercy, Singleton SuperValu Brunell and WIT Waterford Wildcats remain the early pace-setters after each won at the weekend, to leave them with 4-1 records. DCU Mercy were 76-67 winners over Killester on Sunday. Alarie Mayze had 30 points, followed by Bailey Greenberg (17) and Hannah Thornton (11). Thornton’s fellow-Irish international Michelle Clarke was impressive for Killester with 25 points, followed by their two Americans  Shannon Powell (17) and Myah Taylor (13).

DCU Mercy head coach Mark Ingle said "It was a very tough game for both teams, but probably a scrappy affair if I am honest, but you get that sometimes in a derby game. We played well in the 3rd quarter and that was the difference in the end."

On Saturday Singleton Supervalu Brunell won 74-68 at Trinity Meteors. It was a tightly fought contest, the sides were 35 apiece at half-time and just six points separated them at the final buzzer. Shannon Ryan shot 18 points for Singleton Supervalu Brunell, backed up by Kwanza Murray (16) and Kelly Sexton (14). A’lexxus Davies led the charge for Trinity Meteors, scoring 18, followed closely by Sarah Kenny (17), with Dayna Finn posting 11 points.

Tim O’Halloran, Singleton Supervalu head coach, said: “We are delighted with the win and lucky in the end to get it. Trinity really put it up to us and every time we looked to pull away they just kept fighting back. It’s always an easier trip home after a win, but now we focus on the next match.”

Kwanza Murray, of Singleton SuperValu Brunell, scored 16 points against Trinity Meteors

WIT Waterford Wildcats picked up their fourth consecutive win, beating Team Garvey’s St. Mary’s 86-57. Rachel Thompson was a standout performer on the the night for WIT Waterford Wildcats, slotting 28 points for her team. Kate Hickey (17) and Jaz Walker (10) also added well to the tally. It was Lorraine Scanlon who was top scorer for Team Garvey’s St. Mary’s, scoring 18 points, followed by Denise Dunlea (11) and Rheanne O’Shea (7).

Tommy O'Mahony, head coach of WIT Waterford Wildcats, was glad to come away victorious. "We came up against a very tough Team Garvey's St. Mary's side, I thought our pace and intensity in the first quarter was great and that gave us a sizeable lead, unfortunately we were unable to maintain it and let them back in the game. Overall happy with the win, but we still have a lot of things to work on. I would just like to wish all the girls and coaching staff the best of luck with the FIBA EuroBasket qualifiers next week, it's great to be back competing at this level and I'm sure you will do the country proud."

The Address UCC Glanmire bounced back from two consecutive Super League losses with an emphatic victory over IT Carlow on Friday. In a similar margin to their InsureMyHouse.ie Paudie O’Connor National Cup win last weekend over Killester, The Address UCC Glanmire won 101 - 48 against IT Carlow. Shooting was impressive across the board for the Cork side, as Gianna Smith (20), Carrie Shephard (18) and Áine McKenna (18) led the scoring. Top scorers for IT Carlow were Lauren LaPlant (14), Alyssa Velles (11) and Ava Coogan (10).

Head coach for The Address UCC Glanmire, Mark Scannell, was pleased with his team’s display. “Very happy with the win, good team performance. I thought we got great contributions from everyone, again our bench were very good. IT Carlow play very hard and never give up, and deserve great credit. It’s not easy for them with such a limited squad, but their shooters are very dangerous and we had to work very hard defensively. A couple of weeks now to get ready for the middle third of the season and clear up some of our injuries.”

Fr. Mathews picked up their first win of the season, as they beat Leixlip Amenities Liffey Celtics, 76-70 at Fr. Mathews Arena. Fr. Mathews held the lead right from the first quarter, due in no small part to the scoring of Shannon Brady, who shot 24 points. Gráinne Dwyer (19) and Aisling McCann (13) also scored well for Fr. Mathews. Ciara Bracken shot 20 points for Leixlip Amenities Liffey Celtics, with Adrienne Jackson and Áine O’Connor each bagging 13.

Fr. Mathews head coach Niamh Dwyer is hoping to build on the win. “We had two tough games over the Bank Holiday weekend that came down to the last minutes. Tonight was the same and we knew it was going to be, as Leixlip Amenities Liffey Celtics are a very good side. We hit key shots and free throws down the stretch. This is something we can build on and keep moving forward.”

In the MissQuote.ie Division 1, Griffith College Templeogue won 87-77 against Portlaoise Panthers. Building on last week’s impressive win over Ulster University in the InsureMyHouse.ie Division One Women’s National Cup, Lynn Tunnah posted a dazzling 30 points for the home team, with Jay-Leah Ellis getting 18 points and Akeema Richards scoring 15. Antigonie Sanabria scored highest for Portlaoise Panthers, notching 19 points, with Sarah Fleming scoring 17.

Elsewhere, Marble City Hawks were defeated 71-51 at home by Phoenix Rockets. Scoring for Phoenix Rockets was led by Brooke Alexander (23), followed by Louisa Donnelly (11) and Georgie McGrath (10). Scoring for Marble City Hawks was led by Elaine Kennington (12), Faye Scanlon (11) and Grace Lawlor (10). 

On Sunday Tipperary Knights edged Swords Thunder 72-69. Lilla Scuzs for top scored for the home side with 23, with their tally aided by Emma Carey (15), Rosie Tobin (13). For Swords Thunder Aisling Sullivan had 17 points, wih Katie Black and Laura Fortune both contributing 12 and Peggy Black added 11.