Starlites, Luxol cruise to victory to keep up pressure on leaders
Betsson Depiro maintained their top position in the MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League with a hard-fought win over Hibernians on Sunday as Starlites extended their newly rediscovered dominance with a commanding victory over Valletta Lionesses.
Caffe Moak Luxol rebounded impressively from their previous week’s defeat to cruise past Athleta.
HIBERNIANS 55
BETSSON DEPIRO 68
(12-18, 16-16, 17-12, 10-22)
Depiro solidified their place at the top of the standings with a decisive win over Hibernians. The game turned on a strong fourth-quarter run, where Janai Crooms led from the front with an all-around performance, scoring consistently in the paint and converting second-chance opportunities.
Depiro started brightly, with Crooms scoring nine of their first-quarter points, helping her team to a narrow 18-12 lead.
Hibernians, despite battling valiantly, struggled to contain Depiro’s transition play. Maria Bonett and Andie Saliba contributed to keeping Hibernians within reach in the second quarter, but a relentless scoring burst from Crooms extended Depiro’s halftime lead to 34-28.
Hibernians clawed their way back in the third, briefly taking the lead thanks to Mikayla Brandon’s inside presence and Saliba’s sharp shooting. However, Crooms and Julia Borg stepped up late, combining for key baskets to close out the contest.
Depiro’s balanced attack and defensive resilience proved too much for Hibernians, who now find themselves slipping to fourth place.
HIBERIANS: M. Brandon 11, A. Saliba 14, M. Bonett 13, S. De Martino 9, N. Farrugia, K. Caruana 6, J. Dabic 2.
BETSSON DEPIRO: J. Borg Xerri 4, L. Sciberras, C. Ciantar 7, J. Borg 15, N. Borg 6, K. Galea 8, J. Borg Cardona, J. Crooms 28.
Referees: F. Ciuariu, N. Azzopardi.
STARLITES 78
VALLETTA LIONESSES 47
(16-10, 18-11, 27-16, 17-10)
Starlites delivered a comprehensive win over Valletta, securing their fourth victory of the season and further complicating the playoff hopes for their opponents.
Starlites dominated from the outset, with Michela Zammit Cordina setting the tone with back-to-back three-pointers in the opening minutes. The freescoring Makaila Napoleon built on the early lead with decisive play in transition, and Catherine Cilia’s three-pointer capped a first-quarter surge that left Valletta trailing 16-10.
The second quarter saw Starlites tighten their grip on the game. Napoleon and Philippa Riolo combined for crucial baskets in fast-break situations, while Valletta’s efforts, led by Milica Stefanovic and Janae Barnes, struggled against Starlites’ defensive organisation.
By halftime, Starlites were firmly in control, holding a 34-21 lead.
The third quarter showcased Starlites’ depth, with players like Ylenia Ferrando and Mikela Riolo adding to the scoring. Meanwhile, Valletta’s Barnes worked tirelessly to keep her team in the game, but the gap only widened. Napoleon and Philippa Riolo continued to shine in the final quarter, sealing a convincing win that boosted Starlites’ playoff hopes.
STARLITES: E. Degiorgio, M. Riolo 5, C. Cilia 8, P. Riolo 12, M. Zammit Cordina 8, C. Vella 2, Y. Bonett 6, M. Napoleon 22, S. Tabone 2, L. Marie Zammit 1, Y. Ferrando 7, C. Curmi 5.
VALLETTA LIONESSES: A. Parnis 3, J. Barnes 18, S. Abugrin, M. Stefanovic 9, N. Caruana 2, M. Momcilovic 3, A. Nikishina, H. Grixti 4, T. Nikishina 8
Referees: G. Barbara, Z. Dobrosaviljevic.
ATHLETA 48
CAFFE MOAK LUXOL 83
(7-28, 10-20, 14-23, 17-12)
Luxol delivered an emphatic response to their midweek setback with a victory over Athleta, driven by a blistering first-quarter display. Sarah Fenech Pace opened the scoring with an early jumper, and Brandy Lynn Huffhines followed with a three-pointer to ignite Luxol’s explosive start. Josephine Diaby added crucial points in the paint, helping Luxol establish a commanding 28-7 lead by the end of the first quarter.
Athleta attempted to rally in the second quarter, with Kennedi Williams leading the way with scoring from the free-throw line and in transition.
However, Luxol’s solid defence and fast-break efficiency ensured that the gap only grew. Huffhines and Diaby continued to score at will, while Rebecca Naudi and Michela Marmara added depth to Luxol’s attack. By halftime, Luxol had a 48-17 advantage.
The second half saw Luxol maintain their dominance, with Fenech Pace and Huffhines showcasing their range with perimeter shooting.
Williams provided bright moments for Athleta with a strong finish to the game, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Luxol’s depth and consistency as the Violets took the win at the final buzzer.
ATHLETA: K. Williams 20, N. Vella 6, M. Cassar Pickard, F. Sant 9, J. Cipriott 6, K. Abela 5, N. Cassar, C. Caruana, K. Abela, L. Camilleri 2, L. Mercieca, L. Farrugia.
CAFFE MOAK LUXOL: G. Carabott, L. Fenech Pace 9, M. Marmara 5, N. Vella 1, J. Said 2, S. Fenech Pace 10, J. Diaby 14, B. Lynn Huffhines 17, V. Baldacchino 12, S. Sciberras 2, R. Naudi 7, A. Fenech Pace 4.
Referees: N. Da Silva, N. Azzopardi.
STANDINGS
Betsson Depiro 11; Caffe Moak Luxol, Starlites 10; Hibernians 9; Athleta 8; Valletta Lionesses 6.
