Women’s Varsity 57–47 UCD
Ciara Mulligan playing defence at the 2024 Women's Varsity Match. Credit: Michelle La Grue.
Trinity’s Women’s Varsity team claimed a deserved 57-47 victory, responding strongly to their earlier defeat against UCD at the Edinburgh Invitational in September. This win extends the Women’s Varsity team’s NBCC winning streak to 15 games, with the last official loss coming in the group stage of Varsities in April 2024.
Trinity started the game off extremely well with some fast-paced transition play led by their Irish International point guard Hazel Finn. Multiple players got onto the scoresheet early on as Trinity raced off to a dominant 10-0 start. TCD’s early defensive energy created turnovers and easy scores, resulting in a commanding 20 point lead being built in which UCD would struggle to recover from. Franciska Treiliha got off to a hot start, putting up 9 first-half points and displaying her offensive versatility with scores from beyond the arc and at the rim. The dynamic duo of Ciara Mulligan and Lisa Blaney, both in their fifth year with Trinity Basketball, showcased their leadership and experience, chipping in points with Mulligan hitting from 3-point range and Blaney weaving through traffic for her trademark right-hand finishes. At halftime, Trinity led 43-16.
The second half saw UCD attempt to make a heroic comeback. Led by Kenzi Francis and Sinead Keane, UCD stormed back and cut the lead down to as little as 10 points. However, strong defence from Ava Learn, Ríona Grealy and Freya Reilly and timely scores from Hazel Finn, Caoimhe Gilligan and Franciska Treiliha ensured the result never fully slipped from Trinity’s grasp. The win was a fantastic team effort, with all 12 players contributing which is exactly what Coach Sean Mulligan will be looking for as the team targets consistency and depth in their bid to defend the league title.
Trinity’s Women’s Varsity will host Ulster University at home on Tuesday 25 November at 3pm in Trinity Sports Centre.
Men’s Varsity 61–85 UCD
In the men’s matchup, Trinity showed phases of sharp execution and defensive intensity but were unable to stop UCD’s late momentum in an 85-61 defeat.
After a slow start, Trinity were forced to chase an uphill battle for the entire game. A strong second quarter surge, with Trinity scoring 25 points, highlighted by deep 3-point shots by Jens Örnehed, Cian Tiernan and Thomas McCourt helped create some momentum for the squad. Jan Eric Brandt and Oscar Farley both brought great defensive energy to help get some pivotal defensive stops. Despite this, careless turnovers gave UCD easy baskets, preventing Trinity from truly cutting UCD’s lead. At halftime, UCD led 40-46.
In the third quarter, Trinity fought back into contention with stronger ball pressure and effective outside shooting, cutting the deficit to just five points entering the final quarter. Cian Tiernan led the charge offensively, sinking three crucial three-pointers to keep Trinity within striking distance. Liam Smyth and Samuel Rex also contributed some key points with hard-fought baskets.
However, the final quarter proved disastrous for Trinity, as the team managed just two points after scoring 59 in the first three quarters. UCD played smothering defence throughout the quarter and controlled the closing stages, capitalising on turnovers and missed free throws to pull away decisively. Despite the loss, there were encouraging signs in Trinity’s scoring runs and bench contributions, with the team showing resilience and stretches of cohesive play.
The Men’s Varsity team will look to rebound when they travel to face TUD on Wednesday 19 November.