Cataylst Fr Mathews marked the start of the new year with a major scalp after they knocked SETU Waterford Wildcats off top spot in Women's Super League with a 108-87 defeat in Fr Mathews Arena on Saturday afternoon.
While they trailed by four points at the close of the first quarter, the Cork side took the next three in convincing fashion, as they finished with five players in double figures, including Kyra White and Aisling McCann on a combined 44, the former also combining with Shannon Brady for 18 rebounds and eight assists.
Both Sarah Hickey and Ashia McCalla totalled 48 points for Waterford on the day, but it was not enough to prevent them shipping only their second loss of the season so far.
FloMAX Liffey Celtics capitalised on that setback for Wildcats by securing an 81-43 victory over Midlands Park Portlaoise Panthers that saw them go three points clear at the top of the table, albeit having played a game more than their Waterford rivals.
Karl Kilbride’s side consolidated their position as the best defensive team in the league, with Rachel Huijsdens, Eboni Williams and Allie Navarette totalling 26 rebounds, while Sorcha Tiernan drained four of her six attempts off the three-point line on her way to a game-high 21.
Defending champions Killester tipped off the new year with a 76-61 success at home to Trinity Meteors, ending a run of four straight wins in the league for their Dublin rivals.
Samantha Haiby and Michelle Clarke spearheaded the Killester offence, each posting an impressive 25 points and combining for 18 rebounds, while Morgan Lenahan also put up 25 for Trinity.
The Address UCC Glanmire raced clear of Utility Trust St Paul’s over the closing quarter to copper-fasten a 77-59 win over their Kerry opponents in Mardyke Arena on Sunday.
Just five points separated the two teams by the close of the third, but the hosts made certain of the victory as Callie Cavanaugh carded a game-best 32-point haul, while DelJanae Williams landed five of her seven three-point attempts en route to a total of 21, with nine rebounds and five assists to boot.
Alexandra Wittinger and Megan Ormiston figured strongly in St Paul’s challenge, the two combining for 37 points and 28 rebounds.
