Caffe Moak Luxol are the new leaders of the women’s national league after inflicting the first defeat on Honey Athleta last weekend.

In other matches, PAVI Depiro had the better of Starlites Sports Experience as Hibs returned to winning ways with victory over Phoenix.

The top-of-the-table clash saw Luxol seize the initiative after the break to pave the way for their fifth consecutive victory as Athleta again faltered badly after the half-time interval.

Athleta held a slight edge in the opening minutes with Luxol improving after substitutions to level at 13-all by the end of the quarter.

There was nothing to separate the two teams in the second quarter as Luxol held a one-point lead, 28-27, at the interval.

However, six consecutive points as the third quarter got underway smoothed the path for Luxol’s victory. At this stage, Athleta’s shooting left much to be desired, allowing Luxol to start the last 10 minutes 51-37 ahead.

With Athleta’s reaction failing to materialise, Luxol went on to record a pronounced 67-44 victory.

Depiro continued their recovery after a slow start to the league as they strengthened their challenge for a berth in the play-offs with a hard-earned victory over Starlites who had Andrea Mifsud, formerly of Depiro, making her debut.

Starlites led 16-12 by the end of the first quarter and stayed in control to change ends 30-29 ahead.

After the break, a Beverlee Zammit three-pointer saw Depiro start the last 10 minutes a point in front – 44-43.

Eight consecutive points, midway through the quarter, put Depiro in the driving seat, a position they never relinquished to win 61-54.

As expected, Hibs were back to winning ways at the expense of bottom team Phoenix.

After taking a 17-6 lead at the end of the first quarter, Hibs changed ends 33-21 ahead. With Hibs more determined after the interval they went on to clinch a 78-36 victory.

Standings: Luxol 11 (5-1); Athleta 11 (5-1); Hibs 10 (4-2); Depiro 9 (3-3); Starlites 7 (1-5); Phoenix 6 (0-6).

Top scorers: P. Bright (Luxol) 138; P. Phelp (Starlites) 135; C. Woodley (Hibs) 113; I. Ofamata (Athleta) 106; S. DeMartino (Luxol) 78.

National League: Saturday – 14.45 Athleta vs Starlites. Sunday – 11.15 Phoenix vs Luxol; 14.45 Depiro vs Hibs.