Hibs Medsea started the season with a fine victory over McDonalds Depiro in the women’s MBA Shield as Athleta had the better of Starlites Sports Experience in another match from the same pre-season competition.
After three balanced quarters, Hibs did well to pull away in the last ten minutes thanks mostly to the vital points of captain Lucienne Bezzina.
At half-time the score was 31-31. The lead changed hands several times before Hibs opened a 46-41 advantage which they increased to 54-43 as the last quarter got underway.
Depiro were unable to recover this time as Hibs went on to win the match 60-49.
Athleta’s victory was never in doubt. They found it easy to seize control from the opening minutes against Starlites and surge into a 28-16 lead at half-time.
Athleta held the initiative for the rest of the match and upped their tempo when necessary to put the issue beyond doubt for a 55-31 win.
Women’s Shield: Friday – 6.15 p.m. St Andrew’s vs Mtarfa, 7.45 p.m. Athleta vs Hibs. Saturday – 2 p.m. Starlites vs Luxol. Sunday – 2.30 p.m. Loyola vs Depiro.