Luxol, Depiro push aside newcomers
Last weekend’s MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League delivered thrilling matchups, with Starlites grabbing the spotlight in a fiercely contested game against Hibernians. Caffe Moak Luxol’s clinical performance against Valletta Lionesses and Betsson Depiro’s dominant display over Athleta rounded out an exciting three-game round.
STARLITES 64
HIBERNIANS 57
(16-9, 6-13, 17-20, 25-15)
In the highlight fixture of the weekend, Starlites battled to a hard-fought win over Hibernians in a game that marked the first time Steffi De Martino and Andie Saliba faced their former team after moving to the Paolites during the summer together with Maria Bonett who missed the game through injury.
Starlites started strong, with Makaila Napoleon dominating in the early exchanges. Her layup and three-pointer helped Starlites build a 16-9 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Julija Dabic spearheaded a Hibernians comeback, scoring eight points in the second quarter to edge her team ahead 17-16. However, a timely three-pointer from Michela Zammit Cordina tied the game at 20-20, and a late effort from Napoleon ensured a 22-22 stalemate at halftime.
The second half was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts. Saliba and De Martino showcased their scoring prowess for Hibernians, but Starlites’ defensive intensity and Sasha Lecuyer’s long-range shooting were key. Lecuyer’s clutch free throws and three-pointer in the final minutes sealed the victory for Starlites, who overcame a spirited Hibernians side.
STARLITES S. Lecuyer 17, M. Riolo 8, C. Cilia, P. Riolo 4, M. Zammit Cordina 16, Y. Bonett 4, M. Napoleon 15, F. Vella, Y. Ferrando.
HIBERNIANS M. Brandon 11, M. Buhagiar, A. Saliba 10, J. Abela 3, S. De Martino 13, K. Calleja 5, N. Farrugia, K. Caruana 2, J. Dabic 13.
Referees Z. Dobrosaviljevic, F. Ciurariu.
CAFFE MOAK LUXOL 82
VALLETTA LIONESSES 64
(23-12, 14-19, 25-11, 20-22)
Luxol delivered a dominant performance against Valletta in a game where Brandy Huffhines and Josephine Diaby starred. Despite a heroic effort from Janae Barnes, who tallied an astonishing 46 points, Valletta could not match Luxol’s balanced attack.
Luxol established control in the first quarter, with Anna Fenech Pace scoring eight points and Diaby closing the quarter with a layup to give Luxol a solid lead. Valletta’s Barnes provided resistance, scoring consistently in the second quarter and finishing the half with 20 points. However, Luxol’s offensive depth, led by Huffhines and Sarah Pace, maintained a comfortable advantage at the break.
The third quarter saw Luxol pull away decisively. Diaby dominated inside, converting second-chance opportunities and turnovers, while Huffhines added three-pointers and free throws to stretch the lead. Although Barnes continued to shine for Valletta, her efforts were insufficient to close the gap. Luxol’s depth proved decisive in the final quarter, with Rebecca Naudi and Rebecca Fenech Pace providing late contributions.
CAFFE MOAK LUXOL G Carabott, S. Pace 13, L. Fenech Pace, M. Marmara, N. Vella 4, E. Abela, J. Diaby 16, B. Huffhines 22, V. Baldacchino 4, R. Fenech Pace 2, R. Naudi 6, A. Fenech Pace 15.
VALLETTA LIONESSES A. Parnis 3, J. Barnes 46, M. Stefanovic 8, M. Momcilovic, M. Mifsud, A. Nikishina 2, H. Grixti, T. Nikishina 5.
Referees N. Azzopardi, W. Lim.
BETSSON DEPIRO 80
ATHLETA 47
(28-15, 15-10, 27-6, 10-16)
Depiro capped off the weekend with a commanding performance against Athleta. The game marked a challenging return for coach Adrian Baldacchino, who stepped down from his role at Depiro before joining Athleta in the summer.
Depiro’s offence was firing from the start, with Janai Crooms and Kristy Galea driving the early lead. Galea’s three-point shooting and Crooms’ dominance in the paint propelled Depiro to an early advantage. Athleta’s Kennedi Williams kept her side within touching distance, scoring 11 points in the opening frame.
In the second quarter, Depiro extended their advantage with precision shooting from Julia Borg Xerri and Neve Borg. Crooms continued to shine, scoring consistently in transition, while Athleta struggled to find rhythm. By halftime, Depiro held a commanding lead.
The third quarter saw Depiro dominate defensively, allowing just six points while going on a 24-4 scoring run. Crooms added to her tally with fadeaway jumpers and layups, while Julia Borg showcased her range with consecutive three-pointers.
By the final quarter, Depiro’s lead was one which made the remainder of the game a formality. Nonetheless, Hannah Farag contributed valuable points off the bench to round out the win.
BETSSON DEPIRO J. Borg 9, J. Borg Xerri 6, J. Magri, J. Mallia, L. Sciberras, C. Ciantar 12, J. Crooms 21, M. Micallef, N. Borg 8, K. Galea 15, J. Borg Cardona 4, H. Farag 5.
ATHLETA K. Williams 26, B. Agius 2, M. Ferrante, N. Vella 11, M. Cassar Pickard, F. Sant 2, J. Cipriott, C. Londono 6, K. Abela, C. Caruana, K. Abela, L. Mercieca.
Referees N. Azzopardi, A. Attard.
STANDINGS
Caffe Moak Luxol, Betsson Depiro 4; Athleta, Starlites 3; Hibernians, Valletta Lionesses 2.
