In the main game of the weekend, Alyssa Ashley Loyola had the better of Hibs in the Women’s League as leaders Depiro kept marching on with victory over Honey Athleta.

In a battle for third place and a slot in the play-offs, it was Loyola who emerged victorious to leave Hibs reeling. The opening quarter was a ding-dong affair with Loyola opening a 20-17 lead but Hibs soon levelled matters at 23-all as the next session got under way.

Loyola recovered poise though and until the half-time break they had taken a 29-25 lead.

The third quarter was dull and devoid of action. In fact, the two teams only managed 12 points between them in 10 minutes’ play.

The Paolites tried hard to cancel the deficit in the last session. They edged closer to Loyola but Nadia Mifsud’s three-point effort just before the buzzer bounced off the ring, allowing Loyola to win the contest 54-51.

Depiro proved to be too strong for Athleta as both teams had some key players missing.

Depiro led 18-14 at the end of the first quarter and continued to pull away to change ends 36-26 ahead.

Athleta’s reaction failed to materialise as Depiro continued to dominate and start the final ten minutes 55-38 in front. There was only one team in it now as Athleta’s resistance was too weak to get them back in contention. Depiro won the match 73-50.

Meanwhile, Luxol were never troubled by bottom-placed Starlites.

Luxol led 30-12 at the interval and continued to dictate matters for a comfortable 62-27 victory.

Standings: Depiro 15 (7-1), Loyola 14 (6-2), Luxol 13 (6-1), Hibs 13 (5-3), Honey Athleta 10 (2-6), Qormi 8 (1-6), Starlites 8 (0-8).

Top-scorers: Brietta Thomas (Loyola) 245, Brittaney Thomas (Qormi) 225, S. Demartino (Depiro) 198, K. Sagna (Hibs) 170.

League fixtures: Saturday, 14.45 Qormi vs Athleta. Sunday, 13.00 Hibs vs Luxol, 14.45 Depiro vs Loyola.