Coppa’s girls start title defence against Moldova
More teams in competition
The Maltese women’s national team will start their title defence in the FIBA Europe Champ-ionship for small nations on Tuesday when the tournament gets underway in Struga, Macedonia.
Coach Santino Coppa and his no.2 Sandro Farrugia are still in charge of the Maltese side that won successive titles in 2008 (Albania) and 2010 when the competition was played in Armenia.
The challenge promises to be more difficult for the holders this year, however, as other nations have entered the fray.
In fact, hosts Macedonia are returning to the competition after 12 years, having won the title in 2000.
Azerbaijan are also back after their last participation in 2008 and Austria, who won the tournament in their last appearance in 1998, have also decided to rejoin after a long absence.
Next week, Malta will play in Group A together with Moldova, Scotland and Azerbaijan.
Austria, Wales, Macedonia and Gibraltar will be competing for the top two positions in Group B.
The national team girls face Moldova in their opening game on Tuesday. They play Scotland on Wednesday and Azerbaijan on Thursday.
There will be no games on Friday and the semi-finals and finals will be played during the weekend.
Malta Squad
Rebecca Brincat Thoresen, Maria Desira, Ashleigh Vella, Elena Cassar, Kirsten Baldacchino, Leanne Sciberras, Christina Grima, Steffi De Martino, Josephine Grima, Lindsey Pirotta, Joselle Cardona, Bever-Lee Zammit.