Hibernians     51

Luxol     45

(12-11, 15-11, 12-8, 12-15)

Hibs will meet Loyola in a repeat of last season’s Shield final after their victory over the Violets.

It was a balanced match in the opening session but when the Paolites took a sound lead in the second period Luxol were constrained to chase difficult opponents and the reinforced Hibs outfit had the better of the champions. to hand them their second straight defeat.

Hibs included their new signing the American Lena Gipson and they also recovered Alexis Cutajar. Mandy Zammit was still injured. Luxol have a second foreigner Clementina Baena Medina from Spain. Louisa Serge was injured with Leanne Vella taking her place.

Both teams were wary of each other at the start and the scoring took time to get going. The Paolites twice had a basket lead but were pegged back twice.

Hibs went ahead once more as nadia Arrigo nailed a triple. Luxol’s reaction brought a 7-0 run with a Beverlee Zammit triple with the Violets forging in front. Before the end of the period Hibs were on an advantage again.

In the second quarter Gipson who had not started the match began to make her presence felt. A solid 13-2 run from her and Joselle cardona had the Violets falling steadily behind. Luxol recovered but were foul hit as they managed to end the session on a 9-2 run and a becky Naudi trey. At the interval Hibs were 27-22 in the lead.

After the break Luxol went close with a Mandi Sciortino triple and the Paolites’ next hoops had the Violets with a ready response as they kept chasing their opponents closely. Towards the end of the period Hibs recovered sufficiently to post a three basket spread and open up a 39-30 advantage.

The final period had Hibs intent on improving their lead and a 7-2 run with a rare Maria Desira triple found the Paolites on a better lead. This was enough for Hibs to hold on for the remaining time despite Luxol’s last efforts which brought a 7-0 run but were still six points shy of their opponents.

Hibs: J. Xerri,  E. Cassar,  F. Mifsud,  L. Bezzina, 7 M. Desira, K. Gatt, 1 A. Cutajar, 4 N. Arrigo, 7  K. Baldacchino, 12 J. Cardona, 20 L. Gipson

Luxol: 4  S. Pace, 5 M. Sciortino,  L. Vella, 7 B. Naudi,  J. Busuttil Gaerty, 5 G. Zarb, K. Portelli, 6 A. Paul, 8 D. Muscat, L. Chetcuti, 3 C. Baena Medina, 7 B. Zammit

Referees: A. Carbonaro, C. Terribile