Eagles Come Up Just Short at Liffey Celtics
🦅 Women’s Super League
Cavan Eagles Come Up Just Short in Road Battle with Liffey Celtics
McEvoy’s Cavan Eagles fell to a narrow 82–75 defeat away to FloMAX Liffey Celtics on Saturday evening in the Domino’s Women’s Super League, following an absorbing contest at the Leixlip Amenities Centre.
With both sides entering the game level on 7–8 records and fighting for every win as the season approaches its conclusion, it proved to be exactly the tight, competitive encounter expected. In total, the game featured 11 lead changes and 9 ties, underlining just how evenly matched the teams were throughout.
The Eagles made the brighter start, moving the ball well and attacking with confidence. Sophie Staunton set the tone early, pouring in nine first-quarter points as Cavan edged ahead to lead 22–21 at the end of the opening period.
The second quarter developed into a tense back-and-forth battle. Both teams traded scores and momentum, with neither able to create real daylight. The Eagles continued to work hard defensively and executed well offensively, but a late push from the hosts saw the Celtics take a slim 42–39 advantage into halftime.
Coming out of the break, Cavan stayed firmly in touch. Strong spells from across the roster, combined with eight made three-pointers on the night, kept the pressure on. However, a scoring run late in the third allowed the home side to stretch the lead slightly, making it 59–53 heading into the final quarter.
True to form, the Eagles refused to go away. Key baskets from Soleil Barnes and Mazatkan Harris kept the contest alive deep into the fourth, but despite the relentless effort and determination shown right to the buzzer, the Celtics found crucial scores down the stretch to seal the 82–75 result.
While disappointed not to take the win, the performance showed plenty of positives — resilience, togetherness, and fight on the road — qualities that will be vital heading into the final stretch of the season.
Two huge contests now lie ahead for the Eagles. They return home to Virginia next Saturday at 3pm to welcome cup winners Killester Basketball Club, before welcoming Glanmire the following week in what promises to be another tough test as the playoff race intensifies.