Lady gators 55 Swords 27
The under-18 Wicklow Lady Gators rebounded from a first-quarter deficit to run out 55-27 winners over Swords on Saturday to keep them in touch with Malahide at the top of the Dublin League.
The Gators found themselves 10-8 down after a tight first quarter. Both sides traded baskets back-and-forth, with Roisin Ring scoring six of Wicklow’s points in the first period.
The second quarter was a defensive dog fight. A three pointer from Alba Galban, followed by four more points from fast breaks, saw the Gators take the lead for the first time 15-13.
Emma Cruise, Katherine France, Maria Carmen, and Roisin Ring took control of the defensive boards and gave Swords no second chance shots. At the other end, Kellie Byrne, Emma Coffey and Katie Madden fed the ball for Emma Cruise and Roisin Ring to score freely to give the Gators a lead of 25-21 at the half-way mark.
The third quarter saw the Gators change up their defence which proved vital in stopping the Swords attack. Pressure defence and steals from Caoimhe McGrath, Sara Tamani and Kellie Byrne forced turnovers which the Gators used to increase their lead.
Alba Galban hit two more three-pointers to give the Gators a 37- 27 lead after the third quarter.
They finished the final quarter playing their best defence as they held Swords scoreless. The Gators dominated and scored through Katherine France, Katie Madden, Roisin Ring and Emma Cruise. With the game comfortably put to bed, the Gators continued their strong defensive play until the final whistle.
With this win, the Gators are second in the league with a home battle with the League leaders Malahide to come. Their next game sees them travel away to Castleknock to play Tridents next Saturday
