Team Tom McCarthy’s St. Mary’s faced tough opponents in their open game of the season in the women’s division one basketball league when they met Portlaoise Panthers away.
By Liz Galwey, PRO
Panthers, who played super league last season, proved to be a force to be reckoned with.
Liam Culloty’s squad had an impressive start in the opening quarter with a spread of scores from Denise Dunlea, Aoife Nolan, Deirdre Geaney and team captain, Lorraine Scanlon.
Leading by Example
This saw the Castleisland girls lead 21 to 18 at the end of the first, Scanlon leading by example with 11 personal points.
St. Mary’s second quarter performance was no match for the home team. Panthers took full advantage of this and netted 19 points, 11 of these coming from Claire Melia who was expected to be the main threat.
Trailed by Five
Team Tom McCarthy’s trailed by five points at the interval.
Portlaoise came out strong in the third quarter and built on their lead, St. Mary’s Aoife Nolan proved to be invaluable netting eight of the squads 16 for the period.
However, they trailed by 12 as they entered the final period.
St. Mary’s made a huge comeback in the fourth quarter and had reduced the gap to eight points mid way through, however they were in foul trouble and the Portlaoise side left nothing behind from the free through line.
Tough Opponents
Coach Liam Culloty says that he is happy with the team’s performance:
“The girls played very well as a team against tough opponents. We are looking forward to our first home game next weekend and we urge everyone to come out and support us,” he said.
Final Score: Portlaoise Panthers 77 Team Tom McCarthy’s 61.
Team and Scorers
Team Tom McCarthy’s St. Mary’s: Lorraine Scanlon, 18; Denise Dunlea, 14; Aoife Nolan, 11; Mary Herlihy, 6; Deirdre Geaney, 6; Roisín Casey, 5 and Cassandra Buckley, 1.
Home Game on Saturday
Team Tom McCarthy’s St. Mary’s will be the only Kerry team to play at home next weekend and their game against U.L. Huskies tips off at 6.30pm on Saturday evening at Castleisland Community Centre.
Huskies also suffered a loss at the weekend so both teams will be looking to register their first win of the season.
Please spread the word and come out and support our team. Our home game sponsor is Garvey’s SuperValu.
Now Taking Blitz Entries
We are now taking entries for the 49th annual Christmas Blitz. Please contact Donal on 087 698 4941. Or call to Vincent Murphy Sports or email us on stmarysbball@hotmail.com
Closing date for entries is October 31st and no entries will be accepted after this time.
Club Fixtures
October 12th: U-12 boys Division 1 away to Rathmore at 7pm
U-12 boys Division 3 away to Cobras at 7.45pm
October 13th: Team Tom McCarthy’s V U.L. Huskies at 6.30pm in Castleisland Community Centre.
October 14th: U-12 girls Division 3 St. Mary’s V St. Paul’s 1pm Castleisland Community Centre.
U-12 boys Division 2 V Bobcats 5pm CCC. Senior men Division 1 V St. Paul’s 6.15pm Castleisland Community Centre.
October 18th: U-16 girls Division 1 v St. Pauls 6pm CCC. Division 2 men V Cougars 7.15pm Castleisland Community Centre.
Division 2 ladies V Cougars 8.15pm Castleisland Community Centre.
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