MONTPELLIER (EuroBasket Women 2015) - Gaelle Skrela was a latecomer to France's senior women's national team, playing in her first EuroBasket Women two years ago at the age of 30.
Judging from her performances then, when she helped Les Bleues finish second, and of late, she's going to be an important part of the squad this summer as Valerie Garnier's side attempts to have a successful EuroBasket Women 2015 and qualify for the Rio de Janeiro Games.
Skrela poured in 18 points, handed out seven assists and corralled five rebounds to lead Lattes-Montpellier past the Garnier-coached Bourges Basket after overtime, 76-69, in the Coupe de France Women Final on Saturday.
Playing in front of the home fans in Montpellier, Skela now has a memory to treasure for the rest of her life.
This victory is relief. - Skrela
"We had the feeling of having missed something in the semifinals of the French playoffs against Villeneuve d'Ascq," Skrela said.
"It was a bit difficult.
"We worked hard for two weeks to thwart the plans of Bourges.
"Everyone was focused during these 15 days... and it paid off tonight."
Skrela played for Les Bleues at last year's FIBA Women's World Championship in Turkey, averaging 4.7 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2 assists per game.
Although the team came up short of the podium, it remains one of the top sides in international basketball, ranked fourth in the FIBA bwin World Ranking Women.
Right now, Skrela is savoring a title win.
She was named MVP and was honored at midcourt by one of the former France national team star, Cathy Melaine.