Last weekend’s Women’s John Tabone Shield action saw dominant performances from Betsson Depiro and Caffe Moak Luxol as they secured convincing victories in their respective encounters against Valletta Lionesses and Athleta.
Valletta made their competitive debut but were overpowered by Depiro’s relentless display, while Athleta struggled against a well-drilled Luxol.
BETSSON DEPIRO 75
VALLETTA LIONESSES 55
(19-17, 17-16, 27-15, 12-7)
In their first-ever competitive outing, Valletta BC – led by coach Harry Savaya – faced a steep learning curve against a seasoned Betsson Depiro side. Despite a valiant effort from Valletta’s key players and Depiro missing import player Jensen Caretti due to injury, the Mtarfa-based side’s experience and efficiency shone through in a 75-55 victory.
The game began with a fast-paced first quarter, as Depiro’s Julia Borg made her mark early with a quick free throw followed by a three-pointer, propelling her team to a 4-1 lead. Valletta, however, responded with determination, as Milica Stefanovic and new signing Janae Barnes kept them in contention.
Stefanovic’s driving layup and Hayley Grixti’s three-pointer brought the game within a point at 8-7, but Borg remained a constant threat, finishing the quarter with a three-pointer that ensured Depiro held a narrow 19-17 advantage.
The second quarter was a back-and-forth affair, with Valletta closing the gap thanks to Marija Momcilovic’s free throws and the consistent efforts of Barnes. However, Depiro’s transition play proved pivotal, as Kristy Galea and Julia Borg Xerri capitalised on fast breaks, while Borg continued to find her rhythm from beyond the arc. By halftime, Julian Naudi-led Depiro maintained a slender 36-33 lead, with the game finely balanced.
The third quarter saw Depiro shift gears. Led by Borg and Galea, who combined for several fast-break points, Depiro opened up a commanding lead.
Valletta’s Stefanovic and Aleksandra Nikishina fought hard to keep their team in the game, but turnovers allowed Depiro to extend their advantage. By the end of the quarter, Depiro had taken full control, leading 63-48.
The final quarter was a formality as Depiro solidified their dominance, with Borg finishing with an impressive 25 points. Claire Ciantar and Magri added further points from fast breaks, while Barnes’ 24-point contribution for Valletta wasn’t enough to prevent a comfortable victory for Depiro.
BETSSON DEPIRO J. Borg 25, L. Catania, J. Borg Xerri 15, J. Magri 3, J. Mallia, L. Sciberras, C. Ciantar 12, M. Micallef, N. Borg 5, K. Galea 17, H. Farag.
VALLETTA LIONESSES A. Parnis 2, J. Barnes 24, S. Abugrin 9, M. Stefanovic 7, M. Momcilovic 1, M. Mifsud, A. Nikishina 9, H. Grixti 3.
Referees A. Attard, Z. Dobrosaviljevic.
ATHLETA 45
CAFFE MOAK LUXOL 75
(21-21, 12-22, 7-18, 5-14)
In the weekend’s other game, Luxol showed their class against Athleta, pulling away in the second half to secure a 75-45 triumph. Luxol’s defence, combined with their firepower from key players like Brandy Lynn Huffhines and Anna Fenech Pace, proved too much for Athleta to handle.
Athleta began brightly, with Laura Camilleri’s driving layup opening the scoring, but Luxol responded quickly through Sarah Fenech Pace.
Both teams traded baskets in the early stages, with Huffhines edging Luxol ahead with a three-pointer before Athleta’s Nicole Vella sparked an 11-0 run with back-to-back threes.
This surge saw Athleta take a 19-8 lead, but Luxol, buoyed by the contributions of Anna Fenech Pace, clawed their way back into the contest. A late layup from Fenech Pace tied the game 21-21 as the first quarter ended.
From the second quarter onwards, Luxol gradually pulled ahead.
Huffhines was the game’s standout performer, racking up 15 points by halftime, and despite Athleta’s Vella narrowing the gap with another three-pointer, Luxol’s scoring run, capped by contributions from Ella Abela and Fenech Pace, saw them end the half with a 43-33 lead.
Luxol took complete control in the third quarter.
Huffhines again opened the scoring, and Athleta struggled to keep pace. By the six-minute mark, Luxol had extended their lead to 51-33, thanks to a dominant showing from Huffhines and Anna Fenech Pace.
Athleta managed brief responses through Kennedi Williams and Michaela Cassar Pickard, but Luxol’s relentless pressure ensured they entered the final quarter with a 61-40 lead.
In the closing stages, Luxol continued to assert their dominance. Huffhines, who finished with a game-high 21 points added to her impressive tally, while Vanya Baldacchino’s inside presence helped secure rebounds and second-chance points.
A late flurry from Ella Abela saw Luxol’s lead stretch to 30 points, sealing an emphatic win and cementing their status as early contenders in the competition.
ATHLETA: K. Williams 8, M. Ferrante 2, N. Vella 15, M. Cassar Pickard, J. Cipriott, C. Londono 9, K. Abela 2, N. Cassar, C. Caruana, K. Abela 3, L. Camilleri 6, L. Farrugia.
CAFFE MOAK LUXOL: G. Carabott, S. Pace 3, L. Fenech Pace 2, M. Marmara, N. Vella 3, J. Said, E. Abela 9, S. Fenech Pace 18, B. Huffhines 21, V. Baldacchino 8, S. Sciberras, A. Fenech Pace 11.
Referees F. Ciurariu, N. Azzopardi.
