Final Score: Trinity College 73–49 UCC
Half-time: Trinity College 40–28 UCC
Top scorers Trinity: C Mulligan 17, F Treiliha 15, A Learn 14, H. Finn 13
Top Scorers UCC: A Walshe 15, E Dunne 9, I McSweeney 8, J O’Shea 6
Chasing a historic three-peat of the NBCC D1 Women’s Varsity title, Trinity Basketball’s Women’s Varsity team were determined to defend their crown against a young and talented UCC side.
The teams faced off just two days earlier in the group stage, where TCD secured a 13-point win. However, there was no sense of complacency, as Sean Mulligan’s side came out strong, setting the tone early and asserting themselves as the dominant force in the opening quarter. Playing in her last college game, Captain and Year Five veteran Ciara Mulligan started hot for Trinity, pouring in nine first-quarter points, including multiple midrange shots. UCC responded with consecutive 3-pointers from Ava Walshe, as the Cork side desperately tried to keep pace with TCD’s high-scoring offence. UCC struggled to contain Ava Learn, as the 6 ‘1 American Centre used her length and athleticism to dominate the boards and finish at the rim. Mark Scannell attempted to shift momentum by switching to a zone defence, but the South Dublin side remained unfazed, moving the ball effectively to break it down and generate high-quality looks. After the first quarter, TCD led by seven points.
Trinity’s lead stretched into double figures at the start of the second quarter, sparked by a signature right-hand scoop finish at the rim from Franciska Treiliha. However, consecutive turnovers allowed for UCC to respond, with Ava Walshe adding five more points in the quarter. When an Issy McSweeney three-pointer cut the deficit to just three points, Trinity suddenly flipped the switch, going on a 11–2 run. This surge was led by excellent perimeter shooting, with Treiliha, Finn and Shelley all connecting from deep. By halftime, the defending champions held a firm 12-point advantage.
UCC came out stronger at the start of the third quarter, with the duo of O’Shea and Dunne combining for 11 points in the period. Midway through the quarter, Trinity’s lead was cut to just five. Trinity responded with a scoring burst led by their most experienced players, as Mulligan, Finn and Learn all converted. Franciska Treiliha was particularly influential, making her presence felt on defence with numerous deflections and steals. At the other side of the court, the Latvian guard provided much-needed scoring, including an acrobatic scoop finish with her right hand on the left side of the basket to wrong-foot her defender. A last-second reverse layup from Shelley put Trinity firmly in control heading into the final quarter with a fourteen-point lead.
The start of the fourth quarter belonged to Bree Shelley, who quickly silenced the Cork crowd as they attempted to rally their side. Shelley knocked down three consecutive jump shots, before Mulligan followed with an incredible acrobatic and one finish, crashing to the floor in the process. Momentum was firmly in Trinity’s favour, as UCC saw the game slip away, with a 20-point lead quickly established. TCD’s defence was exceptional throughout the quarter, holding UCC to just six points. Avelina Moley Stoltz then found Hazel Finn on a perfectly timed cut, finishing with a composed off-balance layup over her defender. Eleanor Fitzsimon’s pull-up jumper proved the final blow, as Trinity sealed a 24-point victory.
It was an outstanding tournament from Sean Mulligan’s side, going undefeated over the weekend. Franciska Treiliha was named Finals MVP for her impact on both ends of the floor, while Ava Learn and Hazel Finn earned Tournament All-Star honours. Captain Ciara Mulligan, lifted the D1 Varsity Trophy for the third consecutive year, marking a dynasty for Trinity Women’s Basketball and bringing a legendary college career to a fitting close.
Quarter Scores:
Q1: 25–18 Q2: 15–10
Q3: 17–15 Q4: 16–6
Game Scores:
Q1: 25–18 Q2: 40–28
Q3: 57–43 Q4: 73–49
Trinity College: #4 Lisa Blaney, #5 Avelina Moley Stoltz, #7 Rebecca Schmidt, #8 Bree Shelley, #9 Ríona Grealy, #10 Caoimhe Gilligan, #11 Ciara Mulligan (C), #12 Hazel Finn, #13 Franciska Treiliha, #14 Ava Learn, #15 Eleanor Fitzsimons, #20 Aoibhin Dunne
Head Coach: Sean Mulligan
UCC: #4 Rachel Bowdren, #5 Issy McSweeney, #6 Jessica O’Shea, #7 Ava Walshe, #8 Katie Claffey, #9 Ruth O’Donoghue Patterson, #10 Abby Murphy, #11 Arianna Price, #12 Mia Finnegan, #13 Gemma Walshe, #14 Faye McDonnell, #15 Emer Dunne
Head Coach: Mark Scannell
