Starlites add to winning streak with Athleta victory
Last weekend’s MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League action saw Hibernians ending their losing streak, Caffe Moak Luxol prevailing in an overtime nail-biter, and Starlites continuing their fine form.
VALLETTA LIONESSES 50
HIBERNIANS 60
(11-15, 5-9, 20-20, 14-16)
Hibernians returned to winning ways with a commanding victory over Valletta, marking an end to their recent struggles.
The win provided a confidence boost for the team, while Valletta’s wait for a maiden victory in their debut season continued.
The game began with Mikayla Brandon leading the charge for Hibernians, scoring six first-quarter points as her team established a slim lead.
Valletta’s Janae Barnes kept them in contention with a trio of three-pointers, but turnovers proved costly for the league newcomers.
The Paolites capitalised on the Citizens’ errors in the second quarter, with Marie Buhagiar and Naomi Farrugia converting fast-break opportunities to stretch the lead to 24-16 at halftime.
Valletta staged a fightback in the third quarter, with Marija Momcilovic and Aleksandra Nikishina contributing timely baskets. Milica Stefanovic hit back-to-back three-pointers, narrowing the gap to three points.
However, Hibernians, led by Steffi De Martino and Brandon, weathered the storm and extended their advantage to 44–36 heading into the fourth quarter.
The final quarter saw Brandon dominate in transition and Andie Saliba contribute on both ends of the court. An incident between Stefanovic and Saliba led to the former’s ejection for her second unsportsmanlike foul, leaving Valletta shorthanded. Despite Barnes’ 20-point performance and a late push from Sabrina Abugrin, Hibernians secured the win.
VALLETTA LIONESSES A. Parnis 4, J. Barnes 20, S. Abugrin 9, M. Stefanovic 6, N. Caruana 4, M. Momcilovic 3, M. Mifsud, A. Nikishina 2, H. Grixti, N. Montalvo, T. Nikishina 2.
HIBERNIANS M. Brandon 18, M. Buhagiar 4, E. Cassar, A. Saliba 9, J. Abela 5, M. Bonett 5, S. De Martino 9, K. Calleja 2, N. Farrugia 2, K. Caruana 4, J. Dabic 2.
Referees N. Azzopardi, M. De Flavia.
CAFFE MOAK LUXOL 66
BETSSON DEPIRO 60
(12-15, 13-19, 18-7, 15-17, 8-2; Luxol win aet)
Luxol triumphed over Betsson Depiro in a thrilling overtime contest, extending their unbeaten streak against their rivals since the Super Cup final.Brandy Lynn Huffhines stole the show with a sensational 34-point performance, including critical baskets in crunch time. Depiro started strong, with Janai Crooms dominating the opening exchanges and finishing with 23 points. Joselle Borg Cardona added valuable support as Depiro built a 34-25 halftime lead.
The Violets responded after the break, with Josephine Diaby and Anna Fenech Pace sparking a comeback.
Huffhines tied the game at 35 with a three-pointer and scored seven consecutive points to give coach Roderick Vella’s clan a slim lead entering the fourth quarter.
The final quarter was tightly contested, with Crooms tying the game at 58 to force overtime.
In the extra time, Gwen Carabott calmly sank two free throws to put Luxol ahead, and Huffhines sealed the win with a three-pointer and a late free throw.
CAFFE MOAK LUXOL G. Carabott 4, L. Fenech Pace 2, N. Vella, S. Fenech Pace 8, J. Diaby 12, B. Huffhines 34, V. Baldacchino, S. Sciberras 2, A. Fenech Pace 4.
BETSSON DEPIRO J. Borg Xerri 8, C. Ciantar 5, J. Borg 2, N. Borg 7, K. Galea 6, J. Borg Cardona 9, J. Crooms 23.
Referees Z. Dobrosaviljevic, M. De Flavia.
ATHLETA 47
STARLITES 63
Starlites extended their winning run with victory over Athleta, driven by another stellar performance from October’s BOV Women’s Player of the Month, Makaila Napoleon.
Napoleon, who averaged a double-double in October to win the monthly award, led her team with 24 points in a commanding display on Saturday.
The first quarter was a closely fought affair, with Michela Zammit Cordina and Napoleon combining for a 12–2 run to give Starlites the early advantage.
Athleta’s Kennedi Williams tried to keep her side in contention with fast-break layups, but Starlites’ defence held firm, ending the quarter 14–6.
In the second quarter, Zammit Cordina continued to shine, contributing both inside and outside the paint.
Napoleon added crucial baskets, dominating the boards and finishing fast-break opportunities. Despite Williams’ efforts, Athleta trailed 30-18 at half-time.
Athleta showed glimpses of a comeback in the third quarter, with Julia Cipriott adding eight points and Williams reaching double digits.
However, Starlites maintained their composure, with Napoleon adding critical second-chance points and Zammit Cordina sinking a three-pointer to extinguish Athleta’s hopes.
Starlites closed the game in style, securing a comfortable win to strengthen their position in the league.
ATHLETA K. Williams 11, B. Agius 8, N. Vella 5, F. Sant 1, J. Cipriott 10, C. Londono 7, K. Abela, C. Caruana 2, K. Abela 2, L. Camilleri 1.
STARLITES S. Lecuyer 2, M. Riolo 7, C. Cilia 5, P. Riolo 2, M. Zammit Cordina 13, C. Vella, L. Marie Zammit, M. Napoleon 24, F. Vella 2, Y. Ferrando 4, C. Curmi, Y. Bonett 4.
Referees F. Ciuariu, D. Farrugia.
STANDINGS
Caffe Moak Luxol 6; Betsson Depiro, Starlites 5; Athleta, Hibernians 4; Valletta Lionesses 3.
