Killester pulled off a last gasp win over UL Huskies to reach their first Women’s National Cup Final since 2006.
There was only 40 seconds left when they found themselves in a winning position – UL Huskies had led for most of the game but missed their last eight shots from play in a nervy finale.
American Laura Woods was the fulcrum for Huskies’ early streak as she made baskets in a busy key and made space for Aisling Danagher to shoot the Limerick side into a 10-0 run.
Killester were facing a zone defence which diverted them into shooting from outside but it was meat and drink to Mimi Clarke and Aisling Sullivan and the sides were level 28-28 apiece mid-way through the quarter.
UL Huskies were still the happier side at half time as Kelsey Harris soaked up the shot clock to find space for scores and make it 33-30 at the half.
The game broke up in the third quarter but it played into UL Huskies’ hands. Cathy Grant had the gas to convert a couple of turnovers and when Kelsey Harris was fouled in making a one footed three-pointer on the dribble, there was an 11 point gap heading into the final quarter.
Robin Murphy was instrumental in the Killester fight back as she picked off a couple of open jumpers to give UL Huskies enough cause for concern. Her fifth offensive rebound of the game brought the sides closer still and Aisling Sullivan levelled the game from the free throw line with 2 minutes left.
Killester smelled blood when Laura Woods limped out and Kelsey Harris was pinged for an eight-second violation. Murphy brought her tally to 22 points with the last three points of the game from the free throw line to leave UL Huskies distraught at the final buzzer.
Aisling Sullivan was elated to be contesting a national final but paid tribute to UL Huskies efforts.
“They shot the lights out at the start of the game,” said the Killester captain. “But we grew in composure as the game wore on. A lot of what they were doing was through Kelsey Harris so we focused on that in the last quarter and it worked out for us.”
Killester 68, UL Huskies 67
Robin Murphy 21, Aisling Sullivan 15, Alison Maguire 9
Kelsey Harris 26, Laura Hughes 15, Aisling Danager 12
Half Time: Killester 33 -30 UL Huskies
