Hibernians will be looking to retain the championship trophy when they will face first-time finalists Starlites GIG in a best-of-five 2019 Women League Final Series, starting today at the Basketball Complex in Ta’ Qali (start: 8pm).
The Paolites finished the regular season in top spot and having claimed this success in the 2017-18 campaign, they will start as prime favourites to emulate that triumph.
However, Hibs coach Tony Camilleri has played down the idea of starting as favourites, deeming this final as a very challenging one for them.
“The fact that we led the regular season and are the defending champions does not necessarily draw us as potential winners of this competition,” Camilleri told a news conference, yesterday.
“The preparation for these finals from our end have been excellent and we are confident in our own abilities, as shown in the latest league outings.
“We will make sure to rise to the occasion and retain the trophy.”
Elena Cassar, captain of Hibernians, is looking forward to see her team in action in the final, particularly because the right balance between experience and young players in their squad has paid dividends in the regular season.
“Our team is a mixture of veteran players and new faces, and that has injected new enthusiasm in our team,” Cassar underlined.
"Obviously, we have a stiff challenge ahead of us because it is a final but I feel positive about our team and if we pull the same rope, we can claim this success.”
Starlites, on their part, will be challenging for this honour for the first time ever.
Led by coach David Baudot, the team had an impressive season and is looking to give the defending champions a hard run for their money in an attempt to pull an upset and bring the trophy home.
“Under the guidance of David Baudot, we have been preparing for this final with the utmost professionalism,” captain Samantha Farrugia said.
“Despite lacking experience in such games, we are confident that the team will be motivated enough to leave any nerves behind and show what we are made of.”
Starlites will be banking on the abilities of Patricia Arguello to challenge Hibernians.
The Spaniard, who is in her third season at the club, has highlighted the fact that this is a make-or-break period in the season and such a final motivates the team automatically.
GSSE duties
Meanwhile, Paul Sultana, president of the Malta Basketball Association (MBA), explained that the women’s national team’s preparations are in full swing as they will participate in the Games of the Small States in Montenegro, next month.
Moreover, Sultana has revealed that Starlites’ Arguello and Amelia Simmons of Hibernians, will be picked for these Games as they are now eligible to represent Malta having played locally for three years.
Led by coach Angela Adamoli, Malta are the defending champions after claiming gold in San Marino two years ago.
PROGRAMME
Game 1: Thursday, April 11 at 8pm.
Game 2: Sunday, April 14 at 2.30pm.
Game 3: Wednesday, April 24 at 7.30pm.
Game 4: Sunday, April 28 at 2.30pm.
Game 5: Sunday, May 5 at 2.30pm.
Starlites and Hibs will face each other in the Women's League play-off final series.