University of Galway conclude their regular season with a home fixture against Templeogue on Sunday, March 8, with their play-off fate secured after victory over Moy Tolka Rovers.
Mystics confirmed their place in the end-of-season play-offs with a commanding home victory over Moy Tolka Rovers last Saturday afternoon at the Kingfisher. Mystics produced a high-energy performance from the outset and won with a score of 85-55, having built a lead of 40 points at one stage during the final quarter.
The game was intense from the start, with Mystics winning the first quarter 20-17, before taking control in the second quarter. A strong 26-13 run, combined with some excellent scoring from Emma Glavin and Isabella Quinn, saw Mystics extend their advantage to 46-30 by halftime.
Mystics maintained their momentum after the break, with Kara McCleane contributing nine points, helping to stretch their lead to 73-38 heading into the final period.
Tolka Rovers rallied well in the final quarter, outscoring Mystics 17-12, largely thanks to Naomi Farrington’s 10 points. However, it wasn’t enough to make up for the earlier deficit and Mystics took the win.
Head Coach Paul Langan was quick to credit his team’s defensive mindset and collective effort after the game, saying: “Defense wins matches. A great performance from the entire team, driven from the start by determination and defensive tenacity.”
“The girls worked as a unit, giving everything to stop Tolka’s offense before they got started. This showed in the final scoreline, with American NCAA Pro, Dane Bertolina only managing 18 points, half what she scored the week previous. Mystics turned up in offense also, and with nine of our eleven players scoring, we’ve got depth in numbers.”
McCleane finished the game with a double-double of 23 points and 17 rebounds. Glavin added 21 points, with Quinn and Demetra Yennari contributing a further 14 and 11 points respectively. Farrington was the top scorer for Tolka Rovers with 18 points, followed by Dane Bertolina on 15.
The result keeps Mystics in eighth position in the Dominos Division One League standings and guarantees their place in the end of season play-offs, where they are likely to face league leaders Cleveland Rockets.
Tip-off this Sunday is 3pm in Kingfisher University of Galway.
