Letterkenny Institute of Technology’s ladies bagged a first win of the season with a seven-point success against UCD at O’Donnell Park.
Letterkenny Institute of Technology 3-11 UCD 1-10
After defeats to Dundalk and DCU in their opening pair of games, it was a case of third time lucky for the Port Road students as first-half goals from Danielle McDevitt, Zoe Green and Aoife Gillespie provided the platform for a deserved win.
UCD, who were late arrivers in Letterkenny due to delays at road works on the way, were in it until LyIT, managed again this season by Donegal captain Michael Murphy, pulled away in the last ten minutes.
UCD had a dream start with a goal just three minutes in as Roisin Forde beat Aoife McColgan from close range.
But LyIT responded when McDevitt’s shot deceived UCD goalkeeper Caoimhe Gibney and nestled in the net.
Diana Farrell and had UCD ahead again and Alison Walsh’s searing speed took her in from deep on the left to stroke over when she might’ve had a pop at goal.
LyIT had a let off when Forde found herself in on goal again, but at the last second the UCD forward screwed her shot wide of the target.
While Forde’s free pushed UCD three in front, the Letterkenny students levelled it up when McGlynn fired to the bottom corner of the UCD net.
In added time at the end of the opening period, Gillespie looped in over Gibney for a third goal for the hosts while an Eimear Gallagher free put LyIT 3-3 to 1-6 up at the interval.
Lauren Cregan and Sarah Doherty helped stretch the lead out to four points ten minutes into the second half.
Clara Bradley stroked over with her first touch while McColgan denied Roisin McHugh with a fine save at close range with UCD looking to get themselves back into the tie.
There were only four points between them when Walsh tucked over ten minutes from the end, but Cregan steadied the ship again.
Points from Gillespie, Gallagher and Doherty ensured that LyIT got off the mark.
Letterkenny Institute of Technology: Aoife McColgan; Shannon McDaid, Annie Rose Quinn, Victoria Kelly; Hannah Shields, Saskia Boyle, Aisling Nee; Eimear Gallagher (0-2f), Zoe Campbell; Zoe McGlynn (1-1), Lauren Cregan (0-2), Sarah Doherty (0-2); Danielle McDevitt (1-1), Aishleen McGuinness (0-1), Aoife Gillespie (1-1). Subs: Nadine Friel for Shields (19), Aoife O’Farrell and Clara Bradley (0-1) for Nee and Campbell (43), Shields for McDaid (48).
UCD: Caoimhe Gibney; Sarah Dowling, Niamh Rowan, Grace Heffernan; Aoife Madden, Aine Cahill, Ruth Nolan; Aine Lynn, Aoife Coyle; Ruth Wealiam, Roisin Forde (1-3, 1f), Meadhbh Johnston; Sadhbh Nic Uileagaid, Alison Walsh (0-3), Diana Farrell (0-2). Subs: Martha Ní Riada, Roisin McHugh (0-2f).
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