Hollier’s point crucial for Loyola

The start of the women’s league last weekend saw Hibs Melita Gardens disposing of Qormi and Depiro McDonald’s easily beating Starlites.

In another match, Loyola just managed to outwit Athleta in a close match.

Hibs found little resistance from newcomers Qormi.

In fact, after leading 25-4 at the end of the first quarter, Hibs changed ends a healthy 45-6 in front.

Qormi were never a threat and Hibs easily won the match 73-13.

Starlites started brightly against Depiro but then started fading away as Depiro took control to lead 23-13 at half-time.

Depiro showed their true mettle after the interval to stretch their lead to 37-19 before securing a 50-28 victory.

The match between Loyola and Athleta lived up to expectations of a balanced en-counter with the former claiming the spoils thanks to a last-gasp Doreen Hollier free-throw.

Athleta won the first quarter 19-18 but Loyola forged ahead as the second session got underway and at half-time the score was 30-27 in their favour.

But no team was able to impose any kind of supremacy as the lead changed hands several times after the interval with Loyola starting the last ten minutes a point to the good – 44-43.

Athleta were 59-52 in front at one point in the last quarter but Loyola recovered to level the score before clinching a 67-66 victory thanks to Hollier’s pot from the free-throw line.