Wildcats soar new heights to overcome the Eagles
Wildcats coach Jillian Hayes will be hoping that her side can continue their run of results against Portlaoise at home on Saturday.
On Saturday last, SETU Wildcats travelled to Virginia, Co. Cavan, where they faced a hotly fancied Cavan Eagles team that has done exceptionally well in its first season at Super League level. When the Eagles visited Waterford earlier in the season, they came out on top with a four-point victory. On that occasion, Sarah Hickey was out due to injury, and the Wildcats' Irish international proved to be the difference in this encounter with a game-high 22 points. The final score of 49-68 gave the Wildcats back-to-back victories after their thrilling win over Glanmire of Cork the previous Saturday.
The home side started well with an early three-pointer, but the Wildcats soon took control as Sanija Brikmane netted from close range. Then a combination of scores from Tiara Brown and Sarah Hickey put distance between the teams as the Wildcats led 13-22 at the end of the opening quarter. Gradually, the home side closed the gap with a number of quality scores and tough defence. Their main focus was on shutting down Sarah Hickey, who at times found herself surrounded by two or three defenders for the remainder of the game. As the half-time buzzer sounded, the Wildcats led 29-36, with the large home crowd urging on their favourites.
The third quarter produced some excellent basketball from both sides. Gradually, the Wildcats extended their lead with a combination of baskets from Orla Dullaghan, Brown, and Brikmane. Then Cavan parked the bus under the home basket, forcing Wildcats to shoot from outside, where they had little reward from many chances, but still led 37-49 as the game entered the final quarter.
A big three-pointer from the home team lifted home spirits, but Alyssa Durazo soon doused their enthusiasm with a three-point play and a three-pointer. More scores came from Tiara Brown and Kate Hickey (both of whom were outstanding in defence all game), opening a sizeable gap, leaving no way back for the home team. Helena Rohan and Adriana Shalci played their part in a well-deserved victory for the Waterford side, who hope to keep up their winning ways when they welcome Portlaoise Panthers to the Mercy Sports Hall this Saturday with a 7pm tip-off.
