Hibernians captain Nadia Mifsud (left) with Luxol’s Steffi De Martino, yesterday.

Caffe Moak Luxol and Electrofix Hibs will be contesting the first-ever MSV Life Women’s League play-off final series on a best-of-seven format as the two contenders go head-to-head in the opening match on Sunday.

Champions Luxol and Hibs broke little sweat in setting up this season’s title showdown as the Violets breezed past PAVI Depiro 3-0 in the semi-final series while the Paolites had the better of Gżira Athleta, also inside the first three ties.

There is balance also in direct clashes this season with Luxol enjoying a 4-3 lead.

In a meeting with the press, Luxol coach Charles Bonnici said retaining the league champion-ship for a third successive year is his team’s priority.

“For the past nine months, the squad worked hard for one goal... to retain the league a third time in a row,” Bonnici said.

“We may have won other titles but there is nothing bigger than to be crowned champions. I’m expecting a tight series which is longer than previous years but we are well prepared for the challenge and, hopefully, we can keep the trophy at our club.”

Luxol stalwart Steffi De Martino said her team will have to show great fighting spirit to beat Hibs’ challenge.

“We know well how difficult it is to beat them but I’m sure that if we approach the match with the right determination we can come out on top,” De Martino said.

“Winning the league is a great motivation for us all. Personally, I can’t wait to get on court and lead my team to victory.”

Hibs will have added motivation as they will look to avenge their 2-1 defeat to Luxol in the 2011 final play-offs.

“For us, reaching the final is already an achievement,” coach Alex Farrugia said.

“Hibs have not played in the play-offs for five years but now that we are here we will do everything we can to win the series.

“Luxol are tough opponents, they have quality players but we can rely on a strong defensive cover and that can propel us to success in this final.”

Nadia Mifsud, the Hibs skipper, is no stranger to winning trophies as she played for the Paola team that won five leagues in a row.

But leading the side means an added incentive for her to see Hibs on top again this month.

“I enjoyed a lot of success with Hibs throughout my career but to be captain makes it even more special,” the Hibs guard said.

“This will be no easy task though. Luxol are formidable but we are all extra motivated to make this a special year for the club.”

Paul Sultana, Malta Basketball Association president, announced that as from next season the Women’s League will again feature foreign players.

“After a thorough evaluation we agreed to bring back foreign players next season,” Sultana said.

“The championship didn’t work without them this year as we think the level of play reached was not satisfactory. As from 2016-17, all clubs can field a foreign player in our competitions.

“Added to that we are also giving an opportunity to foreigners who work here to sign for our clubs as Maltese players.

“We want to work more on this incentive and other details will be announced soon.”