BASKETBALL:THE IRISH senior women's team will be hoping they can open their latest European qualifying account with a win against Montenegro tomorrow and keep their hopes of qualifying for Division A next season alive.

Mark Scannall’s charges have given themselves a great opportunity of making history after claiming three wins out of five in their first series of qualifiers last season.

Their only defeats came away to Montenegro and the Netherlands, two sides they welcome to the National Basketball Arena this month.

They managed wins over Iceland, Slovenia and Switzerland, with the latter also set for a trip to Tallaght in August.

Their hopes have been greatly bolstered by Susan Moran’s decision to return to the squad, while experienced campaigners Michelle Fahy and Lindsay Peat will share the captain’s responsibilities.

“It’s imperative we open with a win against Montenegro,” said DCU Mercy star Peat. “I believe if we qualify it will rank up there with the best achievements the country has enjoyed this year in any sport.”

Meanwhile, Irish senior men’s head coach Jay Larranaga is hoping to build on their solitary win gained in the first part of their European qualifiers last season.

Ireland host unbeaten Sweden at the National Basketball Arena tomorrow before games against Georgia, Luxembourg and the Slovak Republic.

“We haven’t had too much time together as a group but I am very pleased with how our preparations have gone this week,” said Larranaga.

“The players are showing huge enthusiasm and I am hoping experienced players like Conor Grace and Colin O’Reilly will be able to help some of the younger guys against a tough Swedish outfit.”

FIXTURES: Senior European qualifiers: tomorrow; National Basketball Arena. Division B (women): Ireland v Montenegro (2:30pm), Division B (men): Ireland v Sweden (5:0pm).