Eagles Edge Waterford in Overtime Thriller
🦅Domino’s Women’s Super League
🏀 Cavan Eagles Edge SETU Waterford Wildcats Basketball Club in Overtime Thriller
McEvoy’s Cavan Eagles produced a sensational 98–94 overtime victory against the Wildcats at Mercy College in Waterford.
The game began at a frenetic pace, with the Eagles initially under pressure as Waterford raced to a 6–0 lead in the opening minute, courtesy of three unanswered baskets. But Eagles guard Ciara Tolan quickly swung momentum back, knocking down two huge three-pointers to signal that Cavan would not be overawed. From there, the contest turned into a seesaw battle, defined by 11 lead changes and nine ties, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
It was a true team performance. Eagles’ American Soleil Barnes led the way with 32 points, 6 assists, 6 rebounds, and 4 steals, while Mazzie Harris delivered a double-double of 12 points and 13 rebounds, including a crucial three-pointer and driving layup in overtime.
Ciara Tolan had her best game of the season so far and finished with 23 points, calmly sinking free throws in the dying seconds of regulation to force extra time.
Eagles captain Niamh Tolan led by example with yet another tenacious display, inspiring her teammates, and Alex Mulligan came up big at crucial moments, scoring key baskets and putting in a relentless defensive shift.
The return of Sophie Staunton, back from a preseason knee injury, also lifted the team, as she drained a three on her first Super League shot and contributed valuable minutes. Meanwhile the excellent Katie O’Sullivan anchored the backcourt with her relentless defense and smart ball-handling.
While the Eagles were impressing, Waterford showed why they have been dominant this season. Coached by Hall of Famer Jillian Hayes, the Wildcats entered the match as one of the top teams in the Super League, blending domestic stars with import talent. Irish internationals Sarah and Kate Hickey again led the charge, while Americans Tiarra Brown and Alyssa Frescas provided scoring punch and strength on the boards. Alyssa Frescas produced a late rally in overtime, adding six points to keep the contest tense, but the Eagles’ cohesion and composure proved decisive.
This victory marks two consecutive wins for Cavan, following their earlier success against Fr Mathews, and leaves them sitting 6th in the Super League standings with a 3–3 record.
Beating a top-tier Wildcats side on their home court is no small feat, and the win highlights the Eagles’ ability to rise to the challenge as a team.
Next Saturday at 3 pm, Cavan return home to Virginia to face Liffey Celtics, looking to build on the momentum and continue showcasing the teamwork and resilience that carried them to this memorable road win.