STARLITES REVIVE 81
ATHLETA 36
(27-7, 20-5, 19-12, 15-12)
Starlites responded to their Super Cup disappointment with an authoritative win over Athleta in the John Tabone Shield’s opener, showcasing the depth and control that make them one of the early frontrunners this season.
Georgia Haverlock once again led from the front, scoring 26 points through relentless drives and sharp outside shooting, while also converting seven free throws to punish Athleta’s fouls.
The Starlites import also managed a double-double with 17 rebounds. Around her, Michela Zammit Cordina provided 14 points, seven rebounds and three assists, while Philippa Riolo matched that scoring output with impressive efficiency, hitting four of her five attempts and sinking five free throws.
Mikela Riolo added a rounded contribution of 10 points, seven rebounds and three steals.
Rebecca Naudi put in a double-double performance in her second outing for her new club with 11 points and 10 rebounds, helping to spark the transition play that repeatedly broke Athleta’s resistance.
Coach Adrian Baldacchino-led Athleta, featuring new recruits, including Izabelle Booth, struggled to find rhythm.
Booth led her side with 10 points and six rebounds, while captain Nicole Vella added eight points in the paint and Julia Schembri chipped in with seven from the perimeter.
Former Hibernians player Kirsty Caruana and Jaelle Micallef attempted to inject energy, but the numbers told the story: Athleta’s low percentage shooting, and frequent turnovers caused them to suffer against Starlites’ rebounding presence.
The game itself unfolded with a decisive early surge.
Mikela Riolo’s opening three-pointer signalled intent before Haverlock powered through for back-to-back layups.
Zammit Cordina drove strongly to the rim, and Philippa Riolo added a composed finish as Starlites stormed to a 27-7 first-quarter lead.
Athleta looked to Booth for a response, but their offence faltered against Starlites’ quick ball movement and defensive pressure.
The second quarter saw Haverlock take command, hitting a three-pointer and consistently drawing fouls in between Zammit Cordina and Mikela Riolo efforts, to extend the advantage to 47-12 at half-time.
Even as Athleta tried to steady themselves after the break, the game remained one-way traffic.
Philippa Riolo connected from distance and Zammit Cordina provided further scores, while Rachel Naudi added nine points to highlight the depth of the Starlites rotation. Schembri and Vella struck in patches for Athleta, yet each basket was swiftly answered.
By the closing minutes, substitutes like Mariah Fenech and Sabrina Abugrin also got on the scoresheet, reflecting the depth of Starlites’ contribution as coach Peter Shoults’ side made amends for their Super Cup woes with their first win of the new season.
STARLITES REVIVE: M. Riolo 10, J. Formosa, P. Riolo 14, M. Zammit Cordina 14, S. Abugrin 2, M. Fenech 4, R. Naudi 11, G. Haverlock 26, F. Vella, L. Marie Zammit, K. Gatt, M. Cassar Borg.
ATHLETA: E. Farrugia 2, J. Schembri 7, B. Agius, N. Vella 8, K. Calleja 3, E. Wauman, A. Micallef 1, K. Caruana 3, J. Micallef 2, I. Booth 10, K. Abela, L. Camilleri.
Referees: M. De Flavia, J. Siefert.
VALLETTA DREAM 40
HIBERNIANS 79
(7-27, 9-15, 7-22, 17-15)
Valletta opened their John Tabone Shield campaign with the familiar figure of Olesia Malashenko leading from the front, while Hibernians unveiled a host of new signings, including Malta international Josephine Diaby, guard Sasha Lecuyer, and import Hailey Macleod.
The reshaped Hibs side clicked immediately, running out convincing winners in a match where their collective efficiency outweighed Valletta’s individual sparks.
Macleod produced a standout debut with 17 points, 10 rebounds and five steals, combining inside scoring with perimeter accuracy. Lecuyer added 15 points, showcasing her ability to attack the basket as well as stretching the defence with a three-pointer.
Maria Bonett offered steady support with 13 points, while Steffi De Martino contributed 10 points from both long range and transition. Diaby made an assured first impression, scoring six points and pulling down rebounds, as Hibernians spread their scoring across the roster.
Valletta, captained by Malashenko, relied heavily on her production. She finished with 21 points and 12 rebounds, fighting to keep her side competitive, while Adriana Caballero chipped in with seven points, and Sara Kankaras worked inside for four points and steady rebounding.
Beyond that, scoring options dried up, with Valletta struggling to cope with the Paolites’ defensive pressure and conceding turnovers that repeatedly turned into fast-break baskets.
The flow of the game reflected this. Diaby opened with a driving layup before Andie Saliba and Macleod lit up the first quarter, combining for 15 points in a blistering spell that saw Hibernians surge to a 27-7 lead.
Malashenko tried to rally the Citizens with a pair of free throws and a composed jumper, yet Hibernians’ shooting from distance – highlighted by De Martino and Lecuyer – pushed the gap further in the second quarter.
By half-time the score stood at 42–16, with the Capital club firmly on the back foot.
After the interval, the coach Charlie Bonnici’s clan continued to shine. Macleod converted from the line and drilled a three-pointer, while Bonett provided back-to-back finishes to extend the margin beyond 30. Valletta’s offence occasionally found rhythm through Malashenko, but each basket was countered.
In the fourth quarter, Hibs’ depth became evident as Diaby, Bonett, and Lecuyer all struck, while Kirstie Sammut added late points from the bench. Malashenko kept her side’s scoreboard moving with late runs, but the contest had long been settled.
VALLETTA DREAM: A. Parnis 2, O. Malashenko 21, M. Momcilovic, A. Caballero 7, H. Grixti, M. Mifsud, A. Nikishina, N. Montalvo 6, S. Kankaras 4.
HIBERNIANS: L. Micallef 4, I. Agius 2, S. Lecuyer 15, A. Saliba 5, J. Abela 2, M. Bonett 13, S. De Martino 10, M. Marmara, N. Farrugia, H. Macleod 17, J. Diaby 6, K. Sammut 5.
Referees: T. Rincon, A. Attard.
