After an exciting regular season and an intense playoff semifinal battle, the stage is set for the championship showdown in the MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League.

Depiro, the table-toppers, will square off against Caffe Moak Luxol, a team boasting a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, in a highly anticipated best-of-five series tipping off on Sunday.

Times of Malta Sport looks at the two sides ahead of the series…

Depiro dominance

Depiro’s journey to the finals has been nothing short of impressive. Buoyed by key acquisitions over the summer, including Maltese internationals Kristy Galea and Sophie Abela, alongside the towering presence of US import centre Jose Ann Johnson, they have soared to the summit of the league.

Coach Adrian Baldacchino’s side showcased remarkable consistency throughout the season, culminating in a triumphant finish atop the standings at the end of the regular season.

Their victory in the MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s Knockout further bolstered their confidence heading into the playoffs.

Leading the charge in scoring are Galea and Johnson, with Abela anchoring their formidable defence. With sharpshooting from Galea, Julia Borg, and Nicole Agius, Depiro poses a multifaceted threat to their opponents, poised to make their mark in the finals.

Luxol’s resurgence

Under the guidance of coach Santino Coppa, Luxol’s resurgence this season has left no doubt that they would be one of the teams challenging for the title again after having won it during the 2021-22 season.

This season’s John Tabone Women’s Shield winners have embarked on a journey blending the wisdom of seasoned players like Josephine Diaby and Mandi Mercieca with the dynamic talents of US import guard Tayler Bennett. Their roster also features promising young talents, including the Fenech Pace trio: Sarah, Anna, and Lisa.

Luxol’s path to the playoff finals saw them dispatching defending champions Starlites JSD in a convincing 2-0 series sweep in the semifinals, showcasing their depth and resilience. Despite encountering setbacks along the way, Luxol’s strategic blend of experience and youth positions them as formidable contenders for the championship title.

As the playoff finals beckon, Depiro will look to maintain their momentum and capitalise on their star-studded lineup, while Luxol aims to leverage their collective experience and youthful exuberance to upset the odds.

Matchups like that between Galea and Bennett will be key for the tie as the pair of dynamic guards have each been pivotal to their team’s offensive strategy so far. Meanwhile, the battle in the paint between dominant centres Johnson and Diaby will be crucial in determining control of the boards.

MAPFRE MSV LIFE WOMEN’S PLAYOFF FINALS PROGRAMME

GAME 1 Depiro vs Caffe Moak Luxol – May 12 (14.00)

GAME 2 Caffe Moak Luxol vs Depiro – May 15 (18.45)

GAME 3 Depiro vs Caffe Moak Luxol – May 19 (14.00)

GAME 4 Caffe Moak Luxol vs Depiro – May 23 (18.15)

GAME 5 Depiro vs Caffe Moak Luxol – May 26 (14.00)