Final Score: Trinity College 81-61 DCU
Halftime: 45-40
Finals MVP: Alex Mulligan
Top scorers: Alex Mulligan 20, Emma Merriweather 15, Hannah Murphy 14, Lisa Blaney 12, Lina Moley Stolz 12
A year after falling short in the 2024 league final, Trinity College’s Varsity Women’s team took the court motivated to redeem last year’s tough final loss to University of Galway. Their opponents, a young and fast DCU squad who were determined to avenge their loss to Trinity at the start of the season.
The match unfolded with an electrifying start as Trinity seized an early lead thanks to an elegant finish in transition from Lisa Blaney. However, it was DCU who had the better start, as they came out blazing hot from the 3-point line, hitting 4 quick 3-pointers to jump out to a 15-5 lead and forcing Trinity coach Hillary Nets into taking an early timeout. Hillary, with his usual calm demeanour , reassured the girls and provided some adjustments to deal with DCU’s scorching hot 3-point shooting. Missing Irish International, Sarah Kenny, due to injury, the girls knew everyone had to step up and rise to the big occasion. It was star centre Emma Merriweather who stepped up massively scoring 7 out of her 15 in the first quarter. Using her massive height advantage and exquisite touch at the rim, Merriweather was a force to be reckoned with inside the paint! In a pivotal moment of the first quarter, Captain Hannah Murphy blew by her defender with a strong rip through and finished at the rim through contact, earning herself an extra free throw in which she would drain. Despite the poor start, Trinity saw themselves only down 5 heading into the second quarter.
Having scored 26 in the two teams’ previous encounter, DCU game-planned to try take Merriweather out of the game from the very start. Constant aggressive double-teams were thrown at Merriweather , as DCU tried to make life as difficult as possible for Trinity’s centre. Using her height and advanced basketball IQ, Merriweather decided to take advantage of the double teams to pinpoint passes to open teammates on the perimeter. After their slow start, Trinity proceeded to make it rain from 3, with Hannah Murphy, Alex Mulligan and Lina Moley Stolz all hitting from deep in the second quarter. Lisa Blaney was excellent on the ball, constantly using her speed and long reach to attack DCU in transition. Blaney’s ability to constantly create havoc on her drives to the paint allowed for Trinity’s shooters Alex Mulligan and Lina Moley Stolz to profit from some wide open shots from the 3-point line in which they would not miss from. Alex Mulligan was on fire in the second quarter scoring 9 massive points for Trinity, showcasing an all-around game, scoring from beyond the arc, midrange, and inside the paint. However, it was Clodagh O’Brien’s “Hail-mary” one handed floater at the end of the shot clock which took home the recognition of the “Play of the Game” as the tides started to turn in Trinity’s favour. From being down 10 in the first quarter, Trinity went into halftime with a 5-point lead.
Defence was the story of the second half as Trinity stepped it up massively and allowed only 19 total points in the second half. Emma Merriweather was a menacing presence inside the paint, constantly altering shots and forcing DCU to take uncomfortable shots. Ciara Mulligan was also massive, showing huge versatility both being able to pick up DCU’s fast guards on the perimeter and being able to play excellent off-ball defence, constantly being in the right place at the right time to cause deflections and catch pivotal rebounds. Alex Mulligan continued to impress on the offensive side, scoring 8 points in the quarter including a beautiful coast-to-coast finish and knocking down a deep 3-pointer off a Lisa Blaney pass. Alex Mulligan, however, was not just great on the offensive side of the court but also on the defensive side too, as she constantly put massive on-ball pressure on DCU’s guards and even came up with a massive rejection on DCU’s star player. Her 20 point tally and excellent defensive performance, allowed for Alex Mulligan to deservedly claim the Finals MVP award!
Heading into the 4th quarter, Trinity had a comfortable 16 point lead in which they would never look back from. Trinity’s excellent performance continued throughout the last quarter as Sinéad Boyle, Aisling Courtney, Eleanor Fitzsimmons, Franciska Treiliha, Clodagh O’Brien & Aoibhinn Walsh all provided valuable contributions on both sides of the floor. Lina Moley Stolz continued her pinpoint shooting, knocking down her 4th 3-pointer of the game with a gorgeous step-back jumper. Aoibhinn Walsh’s 3-pointer and Franciska Treiliha’s 2-pointer were the final touches on an amazing team win from our Varsity Women’s team who showcased just how deep and talented their squad is.
A massive congratulations to our girls and coach Hillary on an amazing win and performance. It was amazing to see, 5th year Engineer student and Women’s Club Captain, after 5 amazing years of giving so much to Trinity Basketball, to be able to lift the trophy in Trinity’s name! Now, our Women’s Varsity team will look to hold their unbeaten status and finish the year strong as Colours and Varsities quickly approach!
