Hibs got off to a strong start in the women’s league as they had the better of Athleta Honey in the main match of the weekend.

Alyssa Ashley Loyola and Depiro McDonald’s eased past Starlites Sports Experience and Phoenix Qormi Żmerċ.

Hibs were without rebounder Joselle Cardona, who is recovering from injury, but had playmaker Nadia Mifsud back in the fray.

Senegalese player Kadi Songa quickly left her mark for the Paolites early on as she profited from some poor defensive play from Athleta to put her team 13-3 ahead by the end of the first quarter.

Athleta’s struggles worsened in the second quarter as they failed to score a single point with Hibs powering to a 32-3 lead at the interval.

Athleta showed some signs of recovery on the restart but they could not deny Hibs who cantered home to a 59-41 victory.

Loyola, inspired by their foreign player Brieta Thomas, scorer of 34 points, recovered from a slow start against Starlites to take control of proceedings and change ends 35-16 ahead.

After a balanced third quarter, Loyola regained the initiative for a comfortable 70-49 victory.

Qormi had new signing Brittany Thomas, of the US, in their line-up but this was not enough for them to overcome Depiro who led 25-9 by the end of the first session.

In the second session, Qormi came more into the picture and they closed the gap to 36-26 at half-time. But Qormi’s hopes were dashed after the interval as Depiro moved 61-43 ahead and went on to secure an emphatic win, 89-58.

Next fixtures
Saturday: 2.45 p.m. Athleta vs Qormi.
Sunday: 11.15 a.m. Luxol vs Hibs; 2.45 p.m. Loyola vs Depiro.