Ulster University Elks proved too strong for team Tom McCarthy’s St. Mary’s in the league cup semi-final played at I.T. Carlow on Saturday afternoon.
By Liz Galwey PRO
The northern team progressed to the final on a score line of 83 to 68. St. Mary’s had performed very well in the quarter final to secure this semi final spot but were always going to be up against it as Elks had the second best record in the league with only two losses.
Kollyns Scarborough opened the scoring for Ulster following a good rebound.
Denise Dunlea replied for Team Tom McCarthy’s converting one from the free throw line.
Settled Very Quickly
Elks settled very quickly and were up 12 points to four after three and a half minutes. Enya McGuire and Jenna Kaufman were very prominent for Elks who were punishing St. Mary’s with strong offence rebound and good outside shooting.
They made some great passes in offence which created scoring chances that were converted. While the Castleisland girls were finding scores hard to come by. Elks led 16 points to six at the end of the first.
Short-Lived Comeback
Mia Hopkins opened the scoring in the second quarter with two from the free throw line this was quickly followed by a basket from Lorraine Scanlon. The comeback was short lived as Jenna Kaufaman hit a three and two more scores from her side increased their lead to 13 points with just under seven minutes to play in the second quarter. Lorraine Scanlon, Aoife Nolan and Mary Herlihy were trying hard but Enya McGuire was dictating the play and by the end of the quarter the score read 40 points to 19 in favour of Ulster University Elks.
Denise Dunlea Prominent
Denis Dunlea ,who was prominent throughout, open the third with a basket and bonus after some good play by Team Tom McCarthy’s. They started to find their rhythm. Mia Hopkins and Lorrain Scanlon found scores easier to come by. St. Mary’s won the quarter with a Labhaoise Walmsley score just before the final buzzer but they still trailed by 17 points.
Aoife and Mai Hit Big Three
The final quarter was a tight affair, Team Tom McCarthy’s Aoife Nolan made a big three which was followed by another from Mia Hopkins to see their side take the quarter by two points.
To their credit the Castleisland girls never threw in the towel and fought to the final buzzer but the first half margin could not be over turned.
Some Memorable Performances
The Ulster side, with Jenna Kaufman producing a game high total of 37 points ran out comfortable winner on a score line of 83 points to 68. Elks will go on to meet Maree in the final in April.
Team Tom McCarthy’s can reflect on a good first season back in the league with some memorable performances to look back on.
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