O’Sullivan hat-trick powers UCC towards Munster Division 1 title

UCC captain Lauren Cripps on the ball as Harlequins Nikki Barry moves in to challenge her. Cripps was among the scores for the college side on Saturday.

UCC Women moved to the brink of the Munster Division 1 title with an emphatic 5–1 victory over closest challengers Harlequins.

The win extended their lead at the top to nine points with just three games remaining and preserving a perfect league record this season.

The students set the tone early at the Mardyke, forcing an initial save inside five minutes before Emma O’Sullivan reacted quickest to the rebound from their first penalty corner to open the scoring.

Lauren Cripps doubled the advantage on 12 minutes, rifling home from another corner to reward UCC’s early dominance.

While both sides settled into the contest, UCC continued to control possession and territory.

A goal was ruled out midway through the second quarter, before Harlequins also saw an effort chalked off at the opposite end.

UCC, however, finished the half strongly, with O’Sullivan striking twice in quick succession just before the break to complete her hat-trick and give the hosts a commanding advantage.

Harlequins showed greater intent after the interval and enjoyed increased possession, creating a number of attacking opportunities.

UCC remained disciplined at the back, while the Quins goalkeeper was kept busy as the visitors sought a route back into the contest.

Any lingering hopes of a comeback were ended ten minutes into the final period when Isabelle Martin converted at the back post from UCC’s fourth penalty corner of the match.

Harlequins did manage a late consolation, Joy Sampson deflecting a pass into the goal, but UCC closed out the game comfortably