Uniquely Tralee Warriors wait for their first win in the Dominos Womens National League Division One will go on another week following defeat away to Moy Tolka Rovers by 68-58 at the Tolka Sports Centre on Saturday.
The Warriors fired their way into an early lead inspired by a seven point haul from Amy Cotton added to by scores from Mary Kate Smith, Priya O’Donovan, Meabh Barry and a three point effort from Muireann Teahan to build a 20-6 lead. Moy Tolka Rovers shot their way back into the contest with Julie McEvoy and Jillian Noelle Brown combining to cut the Warriors advantage to 22-15 at quarter time.
The Warriors maintained their advantage with Amy Cotton’s accuracy from the floor and free throw line and scores from Anna O’Sullivan and Aimee Turner keeping the Warriors in front. At the other end Brown added five from five the free throw line for Tolka Rovers to cut the Warriors half time lead to 37-30.
A Julie McEvoy 3 gave Rovers the start they needed in the third and Rebecca Hynes added to cut the gap to 2 and when Brown and Elaine Kenny combined the hosts went 40-37 up. Threes from Cotton and O’Donovan steadied the Warriors ship and a score from Mary Kate Smith had the Tralee side back in front but Rovers struck late in the quarter through Kenny and Rebecca Hynes to take a 50-47 lead into the final quarter.
Brown and Aine Clinton for Rovers and Meabh Barry and Amy Cotton for Warriors exchanged early scores in the final quarter and midway through the final quarter Rovers still had their 3 point lead intact. Brown converted from the free throw line to edge Rovers up before an Ali Donohue put the hosts in a game winning position 59-51 ahead with 3 mins on the clock. A three pointer from Brown proved the insurance score for Rovers and despite another major from Priya O’Donovan and a score from Amy Cotton late on, Rovers saw out the 68-58 win in the end.
Scorers:
Moy Tolka Rovers: Jilian Noelle Brown 22, Rebecca Hynes 17, Julie McEvoy 11
Uniquely Tralee Warriors: Amy Cotton 18, Priya O’Donovan 11, Meabh Barry 8, Mary Kate Smith 8
Uniquely Tralee Warriors: Amy Cotton 18, Priya O’Donovan 11, Meabh Barry 8, Mary Kate Smith 8
Next up for the Uniquely Tralee Warriors is another road trip to Dublin next Saturday when they face Swords Thunder in the AALSA near Dublin Airport with tip off at 3.45pm.