A weekend of action in the MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League saw Hibernians dominate Caffe Moak Luxol, Betsson Depiro climb to the top of the standings with a hard-fought win over Starlites, and Athleta secure a second victory over Valletta Lionesses, despite the heroic return of Janae Barnes.
CAFFE MOAK LUXOL 43
HIBERNIANS 71
(17-15, 5-31, 9-15, 12-10)
Hibernians showcased their depth and efficiency, outplaying Luxol in a game which confirmed the return of the Paolites’ mojo after a dip in form after their John Tabone Shield triumph.
Early on, Brandy Huffhines gave Luxol a brief lead with a three-pointer, but Steffi De Martino’s quick response set the tone for Hibernians’ control.
De Martino dominated throughout the first half, scoring from all areas of the court, while Mikayla Brandon and Andie Saliba chipped in with timely baskets.
Luxol struggled to match Hibernians’ offensive intensity, despite strong efforts from Josephine Diaby and Sarah Fenech Pace.
Diaby’s inside scoring provided brief moments of hope, but Hibernians’ relentless scoring runs – capped by De Martino’s three-point accuracy and Brandon’s dominance in the paint – proved too strong.
By half-time, in fact, Hibernians had established a commanding 46-22 lead.
The second half saw Luxol attempt to rally, with Huffhines and Anna Fenech Pace finding some rhythm. However, Julija Dabic and Naomi Farrugia added to Hibernians’ scoring barrage, ensuring no chance of a comeback.
CAFFE MOAK LUXOL: G. Carabott 2, L. Fenech Pace, M. Marmara, N. Vella 2, E. Abela 2, S. Fenech Pace 11, J. Diaby 11, B. Huffhines 8, V. Baldacchino, S. Sciberras, R. Naudi, A. Fenech Pace 7.
HIBERNIANS: M. Brandon 14, M. Buhagiar 2, E. Farrugia, A. Saliba 12, J. Abela 3, M. Bonett 3, S. De Martino 26, K. Calleja 2, N. Farrugia 5, K. Caruana, J. Dabic 4.
Referees: N. Azzopardi, M. De Flavia.
BETSSON DEPIRO 68
STARLITES 64
(21-11, 14-26, 19-11, 14-16)
Depiro battled to victory over Starlites on Saturday, a win that propelled them to the top of the standings.
The game opened with a strong showing from Janai Crooms, who dominated the paint and led Depiro’s offence. Sasha Lecuyer and Makaila Napoleon kept Starlites in contention with perimeter shooting and aggressive drives to the basket.
As the first half unfolded, Lecuyer and Philippa Riolo gave Starlites a brief lead, but Depiro’s constant attack, led by Crooms and Joselle Borg Cardona, kept the score tight.
In the second half, Crooms continued her dominance, delivering key baskets in transition. Claire Ciantar added crucial layups, while Borg Cardona’s second-chance efforts shifted momentum back to Depiro.
The final moments were marked by Starlites’ late rally, with Lecuyer hitting a clutch three-pointer and Napoleon scoring on fast breaks. However, Crooms’ 34-point masterclass sealed the win for Depiro, with her transition play and defensive rebounding proving decisive.
BETSSON DEPIRO: J. Borg Xerri 2, J. Mallia, L. Sciberras, C. Ciantar 13, N. Borg 8, K. Galea 2, J. Borg Cardona 9, H. Farag, J. Crooms 34.
STARLITES: S. Lecuyer 17, M. Riolo 6, C. Cilia 1, P. Riolo 9, M. Zammit Cordina 9, M. Fenech, M. Napoleon 19, Y. Bonett 3.
Referees: F. Ciurariu, W. Lim.
VALLETTA LIONESSES 61
ATHLETA 68
(16-9, 11-20, 13-18, 21-21)
Athleta emerged victorious over Valletta with, their second triumph over their fellow rookie team this season. The game marked the return of Valletta’s Janae Barnes, who delivered a stellar 38-point performance, keeping her team competitive despite Athleta’s balanced scoring. However, it was Athleta’s collective which prevailed by the final buzzer on Sunday.
Barnes opened the game with a three-pointer, setting the tone for her offensive show. However, Francesca Sant and Kennedi Williams spearheaded Athleta’s response, capitalising on turnovers to establish an early lead.
Nicole Caruana and Taisiia Nikishina supported Barnes in the second quarter, with timely baskets to keep Valletta in contention. Still, Athleta’s teamwork prevailed as Britney Agius and Vella hit critical three-pointers, giving Athleta a 29-27 advantage at the half.
The second half saw Barnes continue to dominate, scoring from inside and beyond the arc. Yet, Athleta’s depth shone through, with Williams delivering in transition and Vella converting second-chance opportunities. Despite a late surge by Valletta, highlighted by Barnes’ relentless scoring, Athleta’s composure at the free-throw line ensured the win.
VALLETTA LIONESSES: A. Parnis, J. Barnes 38, S. Abugrin 6, N. Caruana 6, M. Momcilovic 1, A. Nikishina 2, H. Grixti, T. Nikishina 8.
ATHLETA: K. Williams 28, B. Agius 14, M. Ferrante, N. Vella 14, F. Sant 9, J. Cipriott, K. Abela, K. Abela, L. Camilleri 3.
Referees: N. Azzopardi, M. De Flavia.
STANDINGS
Betsson Depiro 9; Caffe Moak Luxol, Starlites, Hibernians 8; Athleta 7; Valletta Lionesses 5.
