The new calendar year brought with it the restart of the MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League and with games on Monday and Saturday, Caffe Moak Luxol stunned Hibernians into defeat after the Paolites had started 2025 with a victory against Valletta Lionesses.
The Lionesses soon forgot about this after they garnered their first-ever victory since their debut in October. Meanwhile, Betsson Depiro continued to dominate the top spot with a solid victory against Starlites.
HIBERNIANS 69
CAFFE MOAK LUXOL 81
(21-34, 18-11, 9-23, 21-13)
Luxol set the tone early with Brandy Lynn Huffhines delivering a standout performance in the first quarter. Her ability to score from beyond the three-point line and dominate in transition pushed the Violets to an early lead.
Despite a strong effort from Hibernians’ Andie Saliba and Steffi De Martino, who scored crucial points to keep the game competitive, Luxol’s balanced offensive execution gave them a 34-21 lead after the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Hibernians attempted a comeback led by Saliba’s three-point shooting and De Martino’s all-around contributions.
However, Huffhines remained relentless, continuing to score with ease from mid-range and beyond. Sarah Fenech Pace and Josephine Diaby complemented her efforts with timely baskets inside the paint. Luxol entered halftime with a commanding 45-39 advantage.
The third quarter saw coach Roderick Vella’s Luxol extend their lead further. Huffhines crossed the 20-point mark, while Vanya Baldacchino’s energy on fast breaks kept Hibernians on the back foot. De Martino and Saliba did their best to keep Hibernians within reach, but Luxol’s consistent scoring and defensive discipline ensured a dominant position heading into the final quarter. Despite a spirited effort by Hibernians, including late-game heroics from De Martino, Luxol secured the victory at the final buzzer.
HIBERNIANS: M. Buhagiar, S. Vella 2, A. Saliba 19, M. Bonett 4, S. De Martino 19, K. Calleja 6, N. Farrugia, A. Jackson 12, J. Dabic 7.
CAFFE MOAK LUXOL: G. Carabott, M. Marmara, N. Vella, S. Fenech Pace 8, J. Diaby 12, B. Huffhines 30, V. Baldacchino 16, A. Fenech Pace 15.
Referees: M. De Flavia, N. Azzopardi.
ATHLETA 52
VALLETTA LIONESSES 61
(15-17, 14-17, 7-11, 16-16)
Athleta and Valletta clashed in a closely contested encounter where Valletta made club history by earning their first-ever win in any women’s competition.
The first quarter saw Athleta start strong, with Kennedi Williams leading the charge. Francesca Sant added a three-pointer to bolster their offence. However, Valletta’s Aleksandra Nikishina and Milica Stefanovic kept their team in contention, converting key opportunities inside the paint. By the end of the quarter, the game remained closely contested, with Athleta narrowly ahead.
In the second quarter, Valletta began to find their rhythm. Olesia Malashenko dominated the paint, scoring consistently and drawing fouls to keep Valletta within reach. Stefanovic’s defensive presence and Nikishina’s fast-break points allowed Valletta to edge ahead by halftime, gaining a slim advantage.
The third quarter was a turning point for the Citizens. Malashenko’s scoring spree and Stefanovic’s accurate free-throw shooting extended the lead. Athleta’s defensive lapses allowed Valletta to capitalise on turnovers, and despite Williams’ efforts to rally Athleta, the gap widened significantly heading into the final quarter.
In the fourth quarter, Athleta mounted a late push through Williams, who hit several key shots in transition. Sant added points from beyond the arc, but Valletta’s composure under pressure ensured they held their ground. Malashenko’s consistent scoring and Nikishina’s timely baskets sealed the game, with Valletta earning a historic victory.
ATHLETA: K. Williams 28, B. Agius 2, M. Ferrante, N. Vella 7, F. Sant 3, A. Micallef, J. Cipriott 4, K. Abela 2, K. Abela 3, L. Camilleri 3.
VALLETTA LIONESSES: A. Parnis 2, S. Abugrin 4, M. Momcilovic 4, A. Nikishina 5, T. Nikishina 6, S. Kankaras 11, O. Malashenko 29.
Referees: N. Rincon, M. De Flavia.
STARLITES 61
BETSSON DEPIRO 77
(16-24, 19-22, 13-17, 13-14)
Depiro opened the game with a strong start, driven by Janai Crooms’ scoring inside the paint and Kristy Galea’s sharp shooting from beyond the arc. Despite Makaila Napoleon’s efforts to keep Starlites in the game with free throws and layups, Depiro established a 24-16 lead by the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Starlites showed signs of a comeback with Napoleon hitting a crucial three-pointer and Ylenia Bonett contributing with second-chance points.
However, Depiro’s balanced offence, highlighted by Crooms’ dominance and timely baskets from Galea, allowed them to maintain control. By halftime, Depiro’s defensive discipline and consistent scoring extended their advantage to 46-35.
The third quarter saw Depiro tighten their grip on the game. Crooms continued her scoring spree, capitalising on turnovers and dominating in transition.
Galea added key points, while Depiro’s defence limited Starlites’ opportunities. Sasha Lecuyer and Napoleon attempted to close the gap, but Depiro’s lead grew to double digits heading into the final quarter.
In the fourth quarter, Depiro sealed their victory with a dominant display. Crooms reached the 30-point mark, showcasing her all-around impact, while Galea added crucial points in the closing minutes.
STARLITES: S. Lecuyer 11, M. Riolo 2, C. Cilia 1, P. Riolo 4, M. Zammit Cordina 7, E. Degiorgio 7, M. Fenech, M. Napoleon 22, Y. Bonett 8, F. Vella 2, C. Curmi 4.
BETSSON DEPIRO: N. Agius 3, J. Borg Xerri, C. Ciantar 8, J. Borg 7, N. Borg 4, K. Galea 16, J. Borg Cardona 2, J. Crooms 37.
Referees: G. Barbara, N. Da Silva.
MONDAY’S GAMES
STARLITES 75
ATHLETA 52
(17-13, 17-6, 22-18, 19-15)
Starlites asserted their dominance early against Athleta, with Bonett opening the scoring on a second-chance opportunity. Napoleon followed with free throws and fast-break layups, giving Starlites a seven-point lead in the first quarter. Despite Williams and Sant’s efforts to keep Athleta competitive, Starlites led 34-19 at halftime.
The second half saw Starlites continue to outpace Athleta. Napoleon’s three-point shooting and Lecuyer’s energetic play allowed Starlites to build an insurmountable lead. Williams, though valiant in her attempts, struggled against Starlites’ smothering defence. By the fourth quarter, Starlites had established total control, sealing an emphatic victory.
STARLITES: S. Lecuyer 6, M. Riolo 6, C. Cilia 4, P. Riolo 10, M. Zammit Cordina 6, E. Degiorgio 2, M. Fenech 2, M. Napoleon 22, Y. Bonett 7, F. Vella 5, Y. Ferrando 3, C. Curmi 2.
ATHLETA: K. Williams 22, B. Agius 2, M. Ferrante, N. Vella 10, M. Cassar Pickard, F. Sant 7, A. Micallef 4, J. Cipriott, K. Abela 1, C. Caruana, L. Camilleri 6.
Referees: N. Azzopardi, A. Attard.
HIBERNIANS 93
VALLETTA LIONESSES 60
(16-14, 29-13, 24-15, 24-18)
Hibernians set the pace early against Valletta, with De Martino hitting a three-pointer to open the scoring. Saliba added fast-break points to help Hibernians build a slim lead. However, Valletta’s resilience shone through as Stefanovic and Aleksandra Nikishina contributed crucial points to keep the game close, ending the first quarter 16-14 in Hibernians’ favour.
In the second quarter, Ashiala Jackson emerged as Hibernians’ key player, scoring consistently off turnovers and dominating in transition. De Martino and Maria Bonett added to the offensive push, while Valletta struggled to match Hibernians’ pace. By halftime, Hibernians had built a comfortable 45-27 lead.
The second half saw Hibernians extend their advantage, with Jackson and De Martino leading the charge. Valletta’s Malashenko delivered a spirited performance, contributing with layups and free throws, but it wasn’t enough as Hibs went home with the win.
HIBERNIANS: M. Buhagiar, E. Farrugia, S. Vella 4, E. Cassar, A. Saliba 8, M. Bonett 10, S. De Martino 27, K. Calleja 6, N. Farrugia, A. Jackson 26, K. Caruana, J. Dabic 12.
VALLETTA LIONESSES: A. Parnis 6, S. Abugrin, M. Stefanovic 8, N. Caruana, M. Momcilovic 3, M. Mifsud, A. Nikishina 9, T. Nikishina 5, O. Malashenko 29.
Referees: F. Ciurariu, W. Lim, N. Azzopardi.
STANDINGS
Betsson Depiro 17; Caffe Moak Luxol, Starlites 16; Hibernians 15; Athleta 12; Valletta Lionesses 11.
