University of Galway Mystics will be on the road this weekend as they face Templeogue in Dublin on Saturday afternoon.
Mystics opened their Women’s Division One campaign against last season’s regular-season champions, Cleveland Rockets, at Kingfisher, University of Galway on Saturday afternoon.
Despite a 49-68 defeat, Mystics showed plenty of determination and promise throughout the game, with several strong spells at both ends of the court.
Cleveland Rockets made a strong start, winning the first quarter 24-11. Mystics responded well in the second quarter, outscoring the visitors 15-13, with seven points from Demetra Yennari and stronger defence helping to close the gap.
The second half was more evenly contested, with both sides fighting hard as Mystics continued to compete throughout.
Caoimhe Gilligan led the scoring for Mystics with 14 points, followed by Oranmore’s Karolina Gierszal with 13, and Demetra Yennari with nine. New signing Gilligan made an immediate impact, scoring four out of Mystics’ ten three-pointers along with seven rebounds.
Cleveland Rockets’ new American signing, Shannon Ryan, scored an impressive 23 points, while Caitlin Gloeckner added 15, and Aoibheann Donnelly contributed 12.
New University of Galway Mystics Head Jose Rodriguez, who joined Mystics earlier this summer from CAB Atarfe in Granada, Spain, was quick to praise his team:
"Saturday was our first league match, and we can already see how the team has grown," Rodriguez commented.
"We’ve had some very good spells in attack and defence, and we’re going to keep working to become more consistent. I’m very pleased with the players’ attitude and fighting spirit."
Tip-off is 4pm at TUD Tallaght and the match will be available to view live on BITV.
