Last weekend’s MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League action showcased the strength and depth of some of the league’s top teams upon return to the Ta’ Qali Pavilion after the winter break.
Hibernians continued to demonstrate their dominance with a commanding victory over Athleta, while Betsson Depiro’s relentless play overwhelmed Valletta Lionesses.
Meanwhile, Caffe Moak Luxol bounced back in style with a decisive win against Starlites, rounding off an exciting set of games.
ATHLETA 64
HIBERNIANS 40
(8-8, 12-17, 7-20, 13-19)
Hibernians showcased their balanced attack and defensive tenacity in a decisive victory over Athleta.
The game began as a tight contest, with Francesca Sant and Kennedi Williams trading baskets to keep the scoreline close.
Williams, who shouldered the bulk of Athleta’s offensive load, delivered an exceptional 32-point performance. However, her efforts were not enough to overcome Hibernians’ superior depth.
This match marked the debut of Charlie Bonnici as Hibernian’s new coach after being announced earlier in the week as a replacement for Winnie Buhagiar until the end of the season.
Bonnici’s tactical adjustments were evident as Hibernians displayed improved cohesion and defensive discipline under the Malta women’s national team coach.
Julija Dabic’s presence in the paint proved pivotal, while Andie Saliba’s sharp shooting and transition play helped extend their lead.
By half-time, Hibernians held a five-point advantage, 25-20, and their momentum only grew in the second half.
Steffi De Martino and Maria Bonett were relentless in exploiting Athleta’s turnovers, while Dabic continued to dominate underneath the boards.
Late in the game, Hibernians’ defensive discipline and ability to capitalise on second chances sealed the win.
ATHLETA: K. Williams 32, B. Agius 2, M. Ferrante, N. Vella 2, M. Cassar Pickard, F. Sant 2, A. Micallef, J. Cipriott, K. Abela, C. Caruana, K. Abela, L. Camilleri 2.
HIBERNIANS: M. Buhagiar 5, E. Cassar 4, A. Saliba 18, M. Bonnett 6, S. De Martino 11, K. Calleja, K. Caruana 2, J. Dabic 18.
VALLETTA LIONESSES 62
BETSSON DEPIRO 93
(7-20, 15-28, 20-29, 20-16)
Depiro reconfirmed their top spot in their new year’s opener as they dismantled Valletta in a comprehensive victory.
Julia Mallia opened the game with an emphatic jump shot, setting the tone for Depiro’s dominance. Janai Crooms was instrumental, converting turnovers into points and anchoring Depiro’s offensive surge. Meanwhile, Valletta struggled to find rhythm despite Alexia Parnis and Milica Momcilovic’s best efforts to chip away at the deficit.
Valletta featured a new addition to their roster, Ukrainian forward Olesia Malashenko, who joined the team over the winter break following the club’s decision to part ways with US import Janae Barnes.
While Malashenko showed flashes of her potential, finishing with a solid contribution in her debut, Valletta’s struggles against Depiro’s well-drilled offence were apparent.
Depiro’s bench contributed significantly, with Neve Borg and Joselle Borg Cardona capitalising on fast breaks to extend their lead.
Valletta’s Sabrina Abugrin provided moments of brilliance with a mix of layups and jump shots, but Depiro’s depth and efficiency proved insurmountable.
By the final buzzer, Julian Naudi’s Depiro took home the win to stay top of the standings.
VALLETTA LIONESSES: A. Parnis 3, S. Abugrin 9, M. Momcilovic 9, A. Caballero 2, M. Mifsud 2, A. Nikishina 1, T. Nikishina 6, O. Malashenko 30.
BETSSON DEPIRO: K. Fenech Ismael 3, N. Agius 10, J. Mallia 10, N. Agius, C. Ciantar 8, J. Borg 15, M. Micallef, N. Borg 9, K. Galea 16, J. Borg Cardona 8, H. Farag 5, J. Crooms 9.
Referees: Z. Dobrosaviljevic, D. Farrugia, M. De Flavia.
CAFFE MOAK LUXOL 75
STARLITES 53
(11-19, 25-16, 16-8, 23-10)
Luxol started the new year with a confident victory over Starlites in the only Women’s League game on Sunday.
Josephine Diaby opened the scoring for the Violets, but it was Brandy Lynn Huffhines who stole the show with her sharp shooting and defensive contributions.
Luxol’s balanced approach saw contributions from multiple players, including Sarah Fenech Pace and Vanya Baldacchino, who were pivotal in maintaining their lead.
Starlites started strong, with Ylenia Bonett and Makaila Napoleon keeping them within striking distance early on.
However, Luxol’s intensity on both ends of the court proved too much.
Huffhines’ back-to-back three-pointers in the fourth quarter sealed the result, showcasing her ability to perform under pressure.
Rebecca Naudi and Anna Fenech Pace also made significant contributions as Luxol dominated the closing stages.
CAFFE MOAK LUXOL: G. Carabott, L. Fenech Pace 4, M. Marmara, N. Vella 6, J. Said, S. Fenech Pace 13, J. Diaby 14, B. Huffhines 22, V. Baldacchino 5, R. Fenech Pace 3, R. Naudi 2, A. Fenech Pace 6.
STARLITES: S. Lecuyer 5, M. Riolo 5, C. Cilia 3, P. Riolo 1, M. Zammit Cordina 3, C. Vella 2, F. Vella, M. Napoleon 17, E. Degiorgio 1, Y. Ferrando, C. Curmi, Y. Bonett 16.
Referees: N. Rincon, W. Lim, F. Ciurariu.
STANDINGS
Betsson Depiro 15, Caffe Moak Luxol 14, Starlites 13, Hibernians 12, Athleta 10, Valletta Lionesses 8.
