Scally plays key role as UL girls take SuperLeague basketball title

Local basketball star Fiona Scally played a key role in the University of Limerick's victory in the Women's SuperLeague final last Sunday. The 23-year-old from Summerhill, Athlone, scored 15 points as the Limerick side defeated Team Hotel Montenotte from Cork on a scoreline of 68-54 at the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght. UL came into the final in a confident frame of mind and it was Scally who registered their first score, cutting in under the board to land a basket with a sweet lay-up. Natalie Taylor - who represented New Zealand at the Beijing Olympics - was an inspirational figure for UL, and she was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) after the game. UL led 34-30 at half-time and despite the best efforts of Grainne Dwyer, Taylor, Rachel Vanderwal and Scally ensured that the Limerick outfit remained in control until the finish. A daughter of former Athlone GAA and Westmeath star Matt Scally, Fiona has been an influential player for UL over the past few years. UL Head Coach James Weldon praised his squad's depth in the wake of the Women's SuperLeague final win. "All year we have been talking about the depth of our bench, and I think in fairness people coming off the bench did a great job," he said. The coach managed his resources wisely throughout, alternating players in danger of being fouled out. "We got in a little bit of foul trouble. I was a little worried when Rachel (Vanderwal) picked up her third, but I was glad we were able to get her out and back in at the right time." Weldon is hoping to return next year and secure the National Cup, a competition which UL and Scally have been close to winning over the past few years. "We'll try and enjoy this one for now. But hopefully they will give me my job back next year and we'll have a shot at the cup," added Weldon.