Munster Express Online

Sligo All Stars 52; Bausch and Lomb Wildcats 69

Waterford’s Bausch and Lomb Wildcats registered an excellent Superleague victory away to Sligo All Stars last Saturday night.

This welcome win came just three days after Wildcats 62-61 loss away to Dublin Meteors – a loss that should never have happened. Wildcats led by 12 points with 8 minutes to go but crumbled under a full court press from the Dubliners in those final minutes. A tough lesson for the young Wildcats who are learning and learning fast as Sligo’s press had little effect on a more positive visiting team.

A solid defence and superb ball control from guards Jenny Kelly and Rachel Furlong added to a game high 20 points from center Elaine Kennington. There was a good spread of scores from all squad members as Wildcats ran out deserved winners. Right from the tip off one could sense these young players were up for the game as they went about their business in a determined fashion. Just 4 minutes had elapsed when Wildcats were 14 points in front thanks to good finishing from Christine O’Gorman and Elaine Kennington. Gradually Sligo edged their way back into the game and just one single basket separated the sides at the half way stage with the Wildcats leading 35-33.

Rocky patch

At this point it looked good for Sligo who were strongly urged on by the home support. However Helena Rohan and Aisling Hennebry soon had Wildcats out of a rocky patch with a couple of fine scores which were enhanced by more of the same from co-captains Holly Deegan and Cathy Kavanagh.

Wildcats went 15 points clear as the game entered the final quarter. Sligo captain Lorraine Dolan hit an amazing 3 pointer from the half way line to give her side hope. One final surge from the home side proved fruitless as they came up against a mean Wildcats defence who stood solid, restricting Sligo to just 6 points in the last 10 minutes.