Alyssa Ashley Loyola 59

Athleta 43

(10-13, 20-12, 17-8, 12-10)

Loyola went with purpose into the final, their second in succession, after sweeping aside Athleta’s challenge. The latter made a good start, and even led after a session of play, but Loyola’s class shone through in the next three periods, as they put distance between the two teams with each passing session.

Loyola introduced their Belgian player, Laura Denooz, and Kristie Tonna took part in her first match, but Adalia Bonanno and Kim Borg were both injured. Sandra Schembri Wismayer is still in the sidelines. Athleta had Alexandra Ratomska back, and Madeleine De Martino is now with them. Francesca Farrugia was only a spectator.

Leanne Sciberras led Athleta at the start, with nearly all the points in an 11-4 opening. Loyola went more into the match, as time went on, and despite Athleta’s tight zone, Loyola managed to draw closer, but they were still in arrears. In the second session Athleta suffered a heavy 0-9 run by Loyola, who swept in front. Ratomska dragged Athleta back , with her personal points, to just behind their adversaries. In the final stages it was Christina Grima who pushed Loyola further in front, for a 30-25 score at the interval.

After the break Athleta’s efforts had them closer yet again, a point behind, but Loyola’s next reaction opened up the advantage. Athleta could only answer with a single hoop, as, till the end of the period, it was Loyola dominating the proceedings, with a 10-0 run, which took them forward, to a 47-33 score. The final session saw Loyola building up another 8-0 run, to go completely clear of their opponents. Athleta began their long way back, but there was no hope of a full recovery, given the large advantage enjoyed by Loyola, which saw them advance to their back to back Shield final.

Loyola 16 E. Moore, 19 C. Grima, 3 J. Doughty, 10 L. Denooz, 2 D. Hollier, K. Tonna, 3 J. Mangion, 4 A. Sciberras, 2 SJ Barbara

Athleta R. Sciberras, 11 A. Ratomska, D. Jager, 4 L. Calleja, 20 L. Sciberras, M. Azzopardi Duca, G. Muscat, D. McKeon, 2 C. Ciantar, C. Mifsud, 3 K. Busuttil, 3 M. De Martino

Referees G. Barbara, C. Terribile