New look SETU Wildcats roar to opening day win over Cork's Brunell
Players from the teams competing in the Domino’s Women’s Super League from (L-R)Trinity Meteors Aisling Moran, SETU Wildcats’ Orla Dullaghan, Glanmire’s Emer Dunne, Killester’s Leilani Turner, Brunell’s Katherine Vaile, UT St Pauls Angelina Robles, Liffey Celtics’ Nya Epps, Limerick Celtics Sabhbh Edwards Murphy, Portlaoise Panthers’ Katie Rose Harrison and Cavan Eagles Darrione Rogers. Photo: INPHO/NIck Elliott
SETU Waterford Wildcats opened their 2026/27 Dominos Women's Super League campaign in impressive fashion with a hard-earned 90-77 victory away to Brunell in Cork on Sunday.
There is a fresh look to the STS-sponsored Wildcats squad this season, with several familiar faces stepping away from Super League basketball due to the demands of travelling the length and breadth of the country throughout the campaign. New additions include former Killester player Aisling McCann, now working as a doctor at University Hospital Waterford, while Americans Brooklyn Grey from Chicago and Kaitlyn Flanagan from Philadelphia were handed their first taste of top-level Irish basketball.
The visitors made a nervous start as Brunell raced into an early lead, scoring twice inside the opening 30 seconds. However, Wildcats quickly settled when Grey drained a long-range three-pointer. The American power forward proved unstoppable during the opening quarter, scoring 15 points and setting the tone for the visitors.
With Sarah Hickey contributing eight points and Sanija Brikmane adding five, Waterford established control and finished the first quarter with a commanding 34-20 advantage.
Brunell responded strongly in the second period, increasing their defensive intensity and forcing a series of Wildcats turnovers. The Cork side capitalised on those mistakes, converting them into valuable scores as they steadily chipped away at the deficit.
Despite the home side's resurgence, Kaitlyn Flanagan and Sarah Hickey came up with important baskets to keep Wildcats in front. Their contributions ensured the visitors still held a healthy 51-44 lead at the halftime interval.
Brunell continued their momentum after the restart and made life increasingly difficult for the Wildcats. Waterford were guilty of some loose passing and were punished repeatedly as the hosts closed the gap. The pressure told when Brunell drew level at 54-54 midway through the third quarter.
Wildcats were indebted to Sarah Hickey at this stage, with her scoring keeping the visitors in contention during a difficult spell.
A timeout called by head coach Jillian Hayes proved pivotal. Whatever message was delivered during the break had an immediate effect as Waterford responded superbly. Point guard Kaitlyn Flanagan took charge of proceedings and controlled the tempo of the game, while Kate Hickey produced a number of crucial defensive blocks.
The turnaround was remarkable. After struggling to cope with Brunell's defensive pressure earlier in the quarter, Wildcats firmly seized control. They kept the hosts scoreless during the final four minutes of the third period while building an impressive scoring run of their own to establish a 66-54 lead heading into the final quarter.
Brunell have built a reputation for dramatic comebacks on their home court and they threw everything at the Wildcats in the closing stages. However, Waterford stood firm and showed excellent composure under pressure.
Aisling McCann and Brooklyn Grey secured several crucial rebounds as the visitors maintained their advantage. At the offensive end, Kate Hickey knocked down a huge three-pointer before adding a breakaway lay-up to push Wildcats closer to victory.
Orla Dulleaghan then had the final say, scoring the game's closing baskets to cap an outstanding all-round performance as Waterford secured an impressive 13-point win and a perfect start to the new Super League season.
The Wildcats now turn their attention to back-to-back home fixtures against two of the league's strongest sides, Killester and Liffey Celtics.
First up is a meeting with Dublin outfit Killester, who have strengthened significantly with the addition of two American imports. The fixture has traditionally produced some of the most entertaining contests in Irish women's basketball and another closely fought encounter is expected.
Tip-off is set for 5.30pm on Saturday at the Mercy Sports Hall, Ozanam Street, as Wildcats look to build on an impressive opening-day victory.
