Starlites Revive clinched the Women’s John Tabone Shield title after a tense victory over Caffe Moak Luxol, marking a moment of redemption following their Super Cup defeat to Betsson Depiro earlier in September.
The triumph also marked a milestone for coach Christina Curmi, who secured her first accolade since stepping into the role after her transition from player to coach.
STARLITES REVIVE 53
CAFFE MOAK LUXOL 51
(14-9, 17-14, 12-14, 10-14)
The contest was a hard-fought affair, with neither side able to establish clear dominance until the final moments.
Starlites’ success came through balance and teamwork rather than reliance on one player, though Philippa Riolo’s composed 19-point display, Julija Dabic’s timely baskets that saw her finish with 12 points, and captain Mikela Riolo 10-point, 10-rebound double-double that proved crucial.
In contrast, Luxol leaned heavily on Olivia Wikstrom, who delivered a commanding 27-point, 21-rebound performance.
The Naxxar side opened strongly, with Riolo converting two free throws before following up with a layup to ignite an early rhythm.
Sarah Fenech Pace and Wikstrom quickly replied with the American scoring both free throws from the line and later hit a three-pointer, momentarily pushing the Violets ahead.
Yet, Starlites’ fast-break offence, led by Dabic and Rebecca Naudi, restored the advantage as they closed the opening quarter 14-9 ahead.
Luxol responded early in the second period through Wikstrom and Fenech Pace, narrowing the deficit to a single possession. Curmi’s side, however, rediscovered momentum midway through the quarter as Riolo duo Philippa and Mikela combined for a decisive 12–0 surge. Back-to-back three-pointers from both, followed by composed finishes inside, opened up an eight-point cushion by half-time.
After the change of ends, Roderick Vella’s Luxol rallied with intent.
Three consecutive baskets from Jada Said, Fenech Pace, and Sarah Sciberras trimmed the gap to a single point.
Starlites regrouped swiftly, with Catherine Cilia sparking a response and Georgia Haverlock and Dabic restoring control through second-chance points and transition plays.
Philippa Riolo’s driving layup stretched the margin to nine, but Wikstrom’s constant effort in the paint kept Luxol within striking distance.
By the end of the third rubber, Starlites led 43-37.
The final stretch raised the intensity of the contest. Wikstrom reopened the scoring to bring the Violets closer, only for Dabic to steady Starlites from the line.
Vanya Baldacchino’s three-pointer reignited Luxol’s hopes, cutting the gap to two, but Mikela Riolo responded coolly with two free throws to maintain the edge.
As tensions rose, Luxol found renewed energy: Wikstrom equalised from the line, and Baldacchino followed with a layup to hand Luxol their first lead since the opening minutes.
With the game in the balance ahead of the final two minutes of the encounter, Philippa Riolo’s composure came to the fore once more.
She converted a crucial layup to restore the lead before Dabic added a hook shot to make it 51-48. In a dramatic twist, Wikstrom drained a three-pointer to tie the score heading into the final minute.
Yet, it was Mikela Riolo who had the last say – sinking both free throws with just over a minute remaining to give Starlites the slender advantage they would not concede.
Luxol had one final opportunity to draw level, but Starlites’ defence held firm until the buzzer.
STARLITES REVIVE Y. Ferrando, M. Riolo 10, C. Cilia 2, P. Riolo 19, R. Naudi 5, G. Haverlock 5, J. Dabic 12.
CAFFE MOAK LUXOL G. Carabott, E. Axisa, L. Fenech Pace 2, R. Fenech Pace 4, J. Said 3, E. Abela, S. Fenech Pace 8, O. Wikstrom 27, V. Baldacchino 5, S. Sciberras 2.
Referees: N. Rincon, Z. Dobrosaviljevic, M. De Flavia.
