Wildcats continue their winning streak with cup success
SETU Wildcats Head Coach Jillian Hayes saw her side book their place in the next round of the National Cup. Photo: Noel Browne.
SETU Wildcats are through to the National Cup quarter-final after they edged out hosts Brunell of Cork city on a score line of 78 points to 75. The Waterford side sponsored by STS were in control for most of the game but a number of missed opportunities and careless turnovers kept the reigning champions Brunell in the game right up to the last second. The opening quarter saw Brunell hit 15 points but their efforts were matched and bettered by Wildcats who scored 21 thanks mainly to Sarah Hickey who hit 12 of their total part of her game high 30 points and MVP performance.
More quality baskets from Sarah Hickey put Wildcats up by 10 but Brunell were quick to hit back with a couple of three pointers. Baskets from Chelsea Cain, Ashia McCalla and Kate Hickey equalled Brunell's efforts as the game reached the halfway stage with Wildcats leading 39-33. Many crucial rebounds from Chelsea Cain were more than helpful and probably the main reason Wildcats held a 6 point advantage with 2 quarters remaining.
From the restart a lay-up from Aisha McCalla was followed by a three point play from Kate Hickey. Many more chances for Wildcats went a begging and gradually Brunell cut the difference to a single basket with more scores from distance. As the third quarter fizzled out Sarah Hickey struck again with a jump shot and 2 free throws to leave the scoreboard read 56-50 in Wildcats favour.
Chelsea Cain added 2 points but another from long range for BrunelL plus two free shots had the game back in the melting pot. Helena Rohan popped a two from the elbow and moments later Kate Hickey blazed a three- pointer which was matched moments later by Brunell. Another three from Kate Hickey was followed up by 2 from sister Sarah. With just 1 and a half minutes remaining Wildcats led by 5 and tried running down the clock but fumbled possession allowing the hosts break away for easy lay ups to leave a single point between the teams. Hanging on by the minimum, Wildcats Chelsea Cain and Sinead Deegan fouled out. Then well inside the final minute a Sarah Hickey basket and two free shots from Aisha McCalla proved enough for Wildcats to secure a place in the National Cup quarter final at home to Galway in December. There's a break for European International games this weekend before Wildcats welcome Dublin Meteors to the Mercy Sports Hall Saturday week in a clash between the joint Super League leaders.
Commenting after the game, SETU Wildcats Jillian Hayes said: “It’s probably the toughest place to go and play in the country. Brunell did not stop, they kept at us the whole time.
“I was so proud of the girls to be able to dig out a performance like that and we’re just really happy to come away with the win” she smiled.
