(CAVAN, Ireland)-Former Murray State Racer Ava Learn made an impressive debut for Trinity Meteors, helping the South Dublin side secure a thrilling 65-61 victory over newly promoted Cavan Eagles in their Domino’s Women’s Super League season opener.
The American postgraduate student wasted no time making her presence felt in Irish basketball. Within seven seconds of tip-off, Learn received a pass from point guard Hazel Finn and finished underneath the basket to put Meteors on the board first. It was a sign of things to come from the former NCAA Division I standout.
Learn’s impact was immediate and multifaceted. In the opening quarter, she showcased the defensive prowess that made her a force in the Missouri Valley Conference, forming a formidable interior presence alongside Sarah Kenny. The duo constantly altered shots and made life miserable for Eagles’ forwards, with Learn’s shot-blocking ability and defensive positioning disrupting Cavan’s early offensive rhythm.
“Ava brought exactly what we hoped she would,” said Head Coach Seamas Donnelly after the game. “Her experience at the NCAA Division I level is evident in how she reads the game defensively and makes smart decisions with the ball.”
The physical second quarter saw Learn continue her defensive dominance. With Eagles opening up a seven-point lead behind the energetic play of O’Sullivan, Learn stepped up with crucial defensive stops that sparked Trinity’s comeback. Her ability to protect the rim and secure rebounds gave Meteors the foundation to erase the deficit, with the team heading into halftime ahead by one.
While the third quarter featured outstanding perimeter defense from Helena Keane and Franciska Treiliha, Learn’s presence in the paint remained constant. Her 8 first-quarter rebounds set the tone, and she finished the game making significant contributions on the glass while providing veteran leadership despite being in her first game with the club.
The fourth quarter, however, belonged to Learn. This is where the Murray State product truly announced her arrival in the Irish Super League. Multiple finishes inside the paint demonstrated her versatility and touch around the basket. A particularly impressive sequence saw Learn score a crafty hook shot through a fierce double-team, showcasing the skill set she developed during her collegiate career with the Racers.
Learn’s ability to score in traffic and finish through contact proved crucial as Cavan, led by former Meteors player Alex Mulligan, fought to stay in the game. When Mulligan used her intelligence to score six unanswered points and give Eagles a two-point lead with five minutes remaining, it was Learn’s interior presence that helped Meteors weather the storm.
Working in tandem with Irish International Hazel Finn, who took control of the game down the stretch with her elite ball-handling and clutch scoring, Learn provided the inside-outside balance that proved decisive. She finished with 10 points in her debut, reaching double-figures alongside Finn (15 points), Kenny (13 points, 15 rebounds), and Kylie Horstmeyer (11 points).
“Coming from Murray State to Ireland has been an incredible transition,” Learn said after the game. “My teammates made it easy for me tonight. Playing with someone like Hazel who can create opportunities and having Sarah’s veteran presence in the frontcourt really helped me settle in.”
Learn’s debut was particularly noteworthy given the quality of opposition she faced. Eagles’ duo Mazatkan Harris and Soleil Barnes combined for 27 points, with Harris in particular mounting late comeback attempts. But Learn’s defensive fundamentals and offensive efficiency proved to be difference-makers in the narrow four-point victory.
The former Racer’s performance also highlighted the strong American connection developing at Meteors, with fellow import Kylie Horstmeyer connecting with Finn multiple times in the closing minutes to help seal the victory. Learn’s ability to complement Horstmeyer in the frontcourt while providing a different skill set gives Coach Donnelly valuable options moving forward.
With four players reaching double-figures and Learn’s well-rounded contribution of 10 points, strong rebounding, and excellent interior defense, Trinity Meteors have plenty of reasons for optimism as they prepare for next weekend’s clash against Fr. Mathews in Cork.
Learn and her new teammates will make their home debut on Saturday, October 18th at 5:30 PM when Meteors host Waterford Wildcats at Trinity Sports Centre. If her first performance is any indication, the former Murray State Racer is set to make her mark on Irish basketball this season.
Top Scorers Meteors: H. Finn 15, S. Kenny 13, K. Horstmeyer 11, A. Learn 10
Top Scorers Eagles: S. Barnes 15, A. Mulligan 13, M. Harris 12, C. Tolan 10