The race for the top spot of the MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League continues to heat up as Starlites, Caffe Moak Luxol and Betsson Depiro all bagged statement wins last weekend with the margin remaining just a point between league leaders Depiro on 21 points and both Luxol and Starlites who share second place, level on 20.
HIBERNIANS 37
STARLITES 68
(11-17, 15-17, 4-15, 7-19)
Starlites secured an emphatic win over Hibernians, as coach Peter Shoults’ side showcased their defensive discipline and offensive efficiency to continue their chase for the top seed.
The first quarter saw Makaila Napoleon set the tone with early layups, supported by Sasha Lecuyer’s sharp shooting. Hibernians’ Julija Dabic and Ashiala Jackson attempted to keep their team close, but turnovers proved costly, and Starlites ended the quarter leading 16-11.
In the second quarter, Napoleon’s consistent scoring extended Starlites’ lead. Lecuyer drained two crucial three-pointers, while Hibernians’ Andie Saliba and Jackson chipped in from the free-throw line. Despite Dabic’s efforts in the paint, Starlites’ ability to capitalise on turnovers allowed them to maintain a 34-26 advantage at halftime.
The third quarter was pivotal as Starlites’ defence stifled Hibernians’ offence. Despite scores from Saliba and Jackson, Napoleon’s dominance in the paint, coupled with Lecuyer’s contributions, widened the gap to 49-30.
The final quarter solidified Starlites’ dominance. Michela Zammit Cordina reopened the scoring before Napoleon capped her performance with a three-pointer and a series of layups, finishing with 26 points. Lecuyer and Zammit Cordina added key baskets, ensuring a decisive win.
HIBERNIANS: M. Buhagiar, S. Vella, E. Cassar, A. Saliba 6, J. Abela, M. Bonett 3, S. De Martino 9, K. Calleja, N. Farrugia, A. Jackson 13, K. Caruana 2, J. Dabic 4.
STARLITES: S. Lecuyer 12, M. Riolo 4, P. Riolo 4, M. Zammit Cordina 10, S. Tabone, M. Fenech, M. Napoleon 26, C. Vella 2, F. Vella, E. Degiorgio 2, C. Curmi, Y. Bonett 8.
Referees: N. Azzopardi, A. Attard.
VALLETTA LIONESSES 41
CAFFE MOAK LUXOL 87
(6-18, 18-12, 8-24, 9-33)
Luxol overpowered Valletta in a rout on Saturday, driven by a stellar performance from Brandy Lynn Huffhines and contributions across the roster.
The opening quarter saw the Violets establish control early, with Huffhines scoring effortlessly from beyond the arc. Josephine Diaby added to Valletta’s troubles with consistent scoring inside the paint. Aleksandra Nikishina’s free throws and a late tip-in from Alexia Parnis helped Valletta narrow the gap slightly, but Luxol ended the quarter leading 15-6.
In the second quarter, Roderick Vella’s Luxol extended their lead with fast-break opportunities and perimeter shooting. Sarah and Anna Fenech Pace combined effectively, while Huffhines continued to punish the Citizens’ turnovers. Valletta’s Olesia Malashenko provided a spark with a pair of three-pointers, but Luxol’s cohesive play left them ahead 30-24 at halftime.
The third quarter saw the Violets’ dominance grow, with Huffhines adding another three-pointer to her tally. Diaby’s consistent scoring in the paint and Vanya Baldacchino’s bench contributions widened the gap. Valletta’s scoring struggles continued despite Malashenko’s and Nikishina’s efforts. By the end of the quarter, Luxol had surged to a 54-32 lead.
In the final quarter, Luxol’s bench players showcased their depth. Rebecca Naudi and Nolene Vella scored effectively, while Huffhines reached 25 points with composed shooting. Late baskets from Valletta’s Sara Kankaras and Nicole Caruana offered brief resistance, but Luxol’s superior ball movement and defensive intensity secured a dominant victory.
VALLETTA LIONESSES: A. Parnis 3, S. Abugrin, N. Caruana 4, A. Nikishina 9, H. Grixti 2, T. Nikishina 1, S. Kankaras 11, O. Malashenko 11.
CAFFE MOAK LUXOL: G. Carabott 3, L. Fenech Pace 5, M. Marmara 1, N. Vella 5, J. Said, E. Abela 4, S. Fenech Pace 4, J. Diaby 11, B. Huffhines 25, V. Baldacchino 17, R. Naudi 8, A. Fenech Pace 4.
Referees: M. De Flavia.
ATHLETA 57
BETSSON DEPIRO 80
(9-27, 15-15, 15-19, 18-19)
Depiro regained their position atop the league standings after just a day off the lead, with a win over Athleta on Sunday.
The first quarter saw Depiro race to a 9-0 lead, with Janai Crooms, who is proving to have been the perfect signing for the Mtarfa side so far, scoring consistently in the paint and Kristy Galea hitting a three-pointer. Athleta’s Laura Camilleri and Kennedi Williams responded with fast-break points, but Depiro’s defensive pressure helped them close the quarter leading 27-9.
Coach Adrian Baldacchino’s Athleta improved in the second quarter, as Martina Ferrante’s three-pointer and Williams’ free throws narrowed the deficit. However, Depiro’s bench provided crucial support, with Hannah Farag and Julia Borg contributing key points. Despite Athleta’s efforts, Depiro entered halftime with a commanding 42-24 advantage.
The third quarter highlighted Julain Naudi’s side’s depth and resilience. Crooms continued to dominate, adding layups and free throws to her tally. Galea’s timely three-pointer and another basket from Farag extended the lead, while Athleta’s Francesca Sant briefly sparked her team’s offence. By the end of the quarter, Depiro had pulled away to a 61-39 lead.
In the final quarter, Depiro’s control remained unchallenged. Crooms surpassed the 30-point mark with composed finishes, and Leanne Sciberras and Galea capitalised on turnovers. Athleta’s late efforts, including a three-pointer from Ferrante, were not enough to close the gap as Depiro cruised to victory and reaffirmed their championship ambitions.
ATHLETA: K. Williams 13, B. Agius 9, M. Ferrante 8, M. Cassar Pickard, F. Sant 8, A. Micallef 2, J. Cipriott 4, K. Abela 2, C. Caruana 2, K. Abela 2, L. Camilleri 7.
BETSSON DEPIRO: J. Borg 4, L. Catania, Nicole Agius 6, J. Borg Xerri 2, L. Sciberras 6, Noeleen Agius 5, C. Ciantar 2, M. Micallef, N. Borg, K. Galea 13, H. Farag 7, J. Crooms 35.
Referees: N. Azzopardi, W. Lim.
STANDINGS
Betsson Depiro 21; Caffe Moak Luxol, Starlites 20; Hibernians 17; Athleta 14; Valletta Lionesses 13.
