University of Galway Mystics took on Swords Thunder in an away game on Valentine’s Day, and despite an early lead and a late surge from Mystics, Swords Thunder claimed a 74-68 victory.
Mystics made an excellent start, outscoring Swords Thunder by 24-18 in the first quarter, with eight points each from Kara McCleane and Emma Glavin. However, Swords Thunder responded well in the second quarter and were leading 38-31 by halftime.
In the third quarter, Swords Thunder continued their momentum, extending their lead to 60-48, with Katherine Kayce Vaile scoring nine points.
Mystics showed real character in the final quarter, mounting a determined comeback led by McCleane, who added nine more points. The Galway side won the closing quarter 20-14, but the earlier deficit proved too much as Swords Thunder held on for the win.
Kara McCleane finished as Mystics’ top scorer with 27 points, while Isabella Quinn added 13. Katherine Kayce Vaile was the dominant performer for Swords Thunder with an impressive 39 points and 32 rebounds.
The result leaves Mystics in eighth place, level with Dublin Lions, in the Dominos Division One League standings.
The two sides meet on Saturday, 21st February in Clondalkin at 3.30pm, in a must-win encounter for both teams’ chances of taking part in the end-of-seasons play-offs.
