Caffe Moak Luxol and Hibs Electrofix started their quest to reach the Women’s League final series with victories over PAVI Depiro and Gżira Athleta, respectively, in the last-four play-offs opener.

Luxol conceded the first six points but then took control and remained in front the entire match.

A 13-point break allowed Luxol to finish the first quarter 18-12 ahead and they extended their lead to 11 points, 27-16, as the second got underway.

At half-time Luxol led 38-27.

Depiro adopted different tactics on court to keep up with their opponents but the champions held on to start the last quarter 58-45 in front.

The last session was tight at first but in the end it was Luxol who applied an extra gear to put the issue beyond doubt – 71-57.

Sam Brincat, of Depiro, potted 30 points with Luxol duo Joselle Borg Cardona and Steffi DeMar-tino helping themselves to 17 and 18 points, respectively.

In the other semi-final, Hibs were hardly troubled by Athleta whose feeble challenge was easily swept aside by the Paola girls.

Pivot Josephine Grima was again in fine form for Hibs who were already 25 points ahead at the end of the first quarter.

Athleta came more into the picture when play resumed but Hibs still held a clear edge to go in for the interval leading 48-17.

The Paolites reasserted their superiority in the last two quarters to win the series opener 91-34.

Grima and Antoinette Borg, of Athleta, were joint top scorers with 17 points each.

Women’s SF play-offs (game 2 Sunday) – 11.15 Luxol vs Depiro; 14.45 Athleta vs Hibernians.