Luxol qualified, as expected, for the semis, where they will meet Hibernians, with their easy victory over Suns.
The latter had the better say in the first two sessions, but then were overrun by the Violets, as they sprinted totally clear of their opponents.
After suffering a Luxol good start it was Suns who went to just 7-8 down, through Melanie Pulis’ free shots. Treys at both ends saw Luxol ending the session on a small lead, but in the second quarter Emma Moore came on the scene, with all the points in an 11-0 run for Luxol. Suns’ reply were a couple of hoops, but Luxol could extend their lead further, and at the interval they were 33-14 ahead.
After the break, Suns started to fall apart. A heavy 16-2 opening run for the Violets made the issue safer, and although Suns shared the rest of the quarter, with three baskets at either end, Luxol were in the driving seat, with a 55-22 score in favour.
In the last quarter there were a couple of Luxol hoops, with a similar reply for Suns, but that was their contribution for the session, as Luxol took over.
A long 25-0 run, till the end of the match, signalled Luxol’s superiority, and Emma Moore and Kirsten Micallef kept pouring in the points.
Luxol: 27 Emma Moore, 14 Rachel Camilleri, 12 Kirsten Micallef
Suns: 8 Ruth Farrugia
Referees: Gordon Barbara, Leonard Falzon
Kerygma 46
Depiro Still 69
(4-19)(10-20)(15-17)(17-13)
Depiro made it three out of three, to top the group, and make their way into the semis, for an encounter with Loyola.
After a quiet start Kerygma settled down, and gave their contribution in the match, but Depiro’s lead was already established, and they could control the match at their leisure.
An opening 13-0 run, with some Dorianne Galea points, and a Sarah Pace trey, rocked Kerygma, who were only able to reply late in the first session.
Rhian Spiteri held Depiro’s lead with two late hoops.
In the second quarter Kerygma played better but Depiro didn’t have any difficulty to increase their lead, as Raquel Camenzuli grabbed most of the points. At the break it was a 39-14 match.
After the interval Depiro again had the better start, but Josette Calleja came up with her treys for Kerygma. It was a more balanced session, but Dorianne Galea kept Depiro’s lead constant. After three sessions it was 56-29.
In the final quarter, the game was more open, with Depiro giving space to their opponents. Kerygma chipped a slice off their deficit, but Depiro held no worries, enjoying a large lead, and with their minds on keeping the Shield won last year.
Kerygma: 15 Josette Calleja
Depiro: 26 Dorianne Galea, 12 Raquel Camenzuli, 11 Rhian Spiteri
Referees: Emanuel Mangani, Jean Paul Sammut
Hibs Medsea 58
Naxxar Danone 44
(11-15)(12-11)(20-10)(15-8)
This was the best game of the day. The Paolites won their second group game, and now meet Luxol in the semis.
It was Naxxar’s second defeat, after Loyola, but they gave Hibs some worrying moments in the first two sessions, before finally succumbing in the final moments of the match.
A balanced first session saw Hibs grab the first lead, but Naxxar came back to lead on three occasions, before Claire Hawkins pushed them into a four point lead.
In the second quarter the champions drew level with a Beverlee Zammit trey, the only one in the whole match. Sandra Schembri Wismayer helped Naxxar to a half time 26-23 lead, despite a late Hibs comeback.
After the interval Naxxar were caught cold as Hibs produced an opening onslaught, mainly through Alexis Darmanin, resulting in an 11-0 run.
Naxxar recovered to go within a 32-35 adverse score, but the Paolites pushed ahead once more, and after three sessions they were 43-36 in the lead.
In the final quarter Naxxar held on, and after four minutes, had pulled back to 44-47, giving the impression of a tight finish.
It was not to be, as Hibs pulled themselves together, and a long 11-0 run, till the end of the match, eased their minds, for a comfortable win.
Hibs: 16 Alexis Darmanin, 14 Maria Desira
Naxxar: 14 Sandra Schembri Wismayer, 12 Claire Hawkins
Referees: Emanuel Mangani, Alfred Carbonaro