Limerick Celtics win first ever women's division one National Cup

LIMERICK Celtics have won their first women's division one National Cup after a spirited 64-55 win against Abbey Seal Dublin Lions at the National Basketball Arena. 

In an extremely physical game, Limerick Celtics found themselves ahead during the whole match against last years title holders. Abbey Seal Dublin Lions relied entirely on their American player Sydney Kin for their scores and once Limerick Celtics were able to mark her it was difficult for Lions to get any shots away. 

Limerick Celtics Lucy Devoy got her side off to an incredible start scoring three three-pointers during the first quarter with their post players doing well on defence to deny Abbey Seals Dublin Lions top-scorer Sydney Kin possession. 

Celtics did well to push their lead out with shots from Mikayla Brandon, but Dublin Lions fought back through Kin and Emily Smyth. Celtics kept their lead of 21-11 at the end of the first quarter. 

Dublin Lions found their rhythm in the second quarter, putting Celtics under serious full court pressure during their offensive possessions. 

Brandon had an impressive period of play getting two vital steals and a three pointer to keep the lead ticking over for Celtics. While trying to contain Dublin Lions Sydney Kin, Celtics found themselves on team fouls, which would not be the last time in this final. 

Despite this Limerick Celtics lead at the half-time break on a score of 32-21. 

The third quarter ebbed and flowed with both sides struggling to get scores after the break. Brandon for Celtics and Kin for Lions were their teams main threats with the Limerick side continuing to struggling containing Kin, who was their top scorer throughout the entire game.

Celtics got into serious trouble at the end of the third quarter as both Lucy Devoy, one of their top play makers in the game, and Amy Buckley, registered four personal fouls each leaving them sitting on the bench. 

Brandon kept her phenomenal performance going in the last quarter registering 22 points and 20 rebounds in the final with Devoy taking to the court to pull out some vital scores as well. 

Limerick Celtics maintained their lead throughout despite being under constant pressure from the Dublin side to win out on a scoreline of 64-55.

LIMERICK CELTICS: Lucy Devoy,  Dearbhail O'Connor, Isabella Leahy, Ali Walsh, Aoife Morrissey, Sabhbh Edwards Murphy, Sorcha Cronin, Mikayla Brandon, Amy Buckley, Anna Parra Sanchez, Samantha Coleman.

COACH: Tony Hehir

TOP SCORERS: Mikayla Brandon (22 points), Lucy Devoy (18 points), Samantha Coleman (12 points).

ABBEY SEALS DUBLIN LIONS: Sydney Kin, Emily Smyth, Katie Flanagan, Tomiwa Adeyemi, Tara Nevin, Ciara Brodrick, Caoimhe Gilligan, Ciara Wheeler, Sophia Widmeyer, Gillian Wheeler, Claudia Sanchez. 

COACH: Rob White 

TOP SCORERS: Sydney Kin (29 points), Emily Smyth (9 points), Sophia Widmeyer (8 points).