Alyssa Ashley Loyola 40

Hibernians 36

(8-10, 5-3, 15-14, 12-9)

Loyola were the better prepared team for this final in a low score match for most of the time.

Both sides were very wary of each other and both played in patches but Loyola managed to stifle Lena Gipson’s presence in the paint.

Both sides missed numerous scoring occasions but Loyola were more disciplined and their revamped side carried off the first female honour of the season which also happened to be their very first major honour.

Loyola had the one change with Adalia Bonanno absent - her place was taken by Francesca Camilleri. Truth is coach Ruth Spiteri only made use of six players throughout the encounter. Hibernains had Alexis Cutajar missing from the side that beat Luxol in the semis and, like their adversaries, only six players made their way on court.

The match had a confused start and hasty shooting. The Paolites made the first points before Loyola began to get more into the proceedings.

Hibs managed to hold on to their advantage given the scarcity of points with both sides unable to make their shots count.

Loyola went a hoop behind even though they stole several offensive rebounds mainly through Laura Denooz.

The second quarter was one to be forgotten. The Paolites were dry for most of the session and Loyola could turn the score around with their paltry tally. In the remaining time Hibs’ efforts brought them to a tied score - a very low one at 13-13 - by the time the interval came around.

After the break the game livened up a little with Loyola going forward once again and the inclusion of Abigail Sciberras and her points inside the zone gave them an initial 11-4 run.

Hibs managed to strike back and an 8-2 run with a Kirsten Baldacchino triple had them breathing down Loyola’s necks. The single point lead remained until the end of the period with Loyola just leading 28-27.

In the last session the Paolites’ opening flurry had them jumping in front only for Loyola to buckle down and regain their lead. Hibs changed the score once more but that was the last time they were ahead.

Loyola’s persistence paid off and a better finish to the match ensured them an 8-0 run which sufficed despite Baldacchino’s second triple for Hibs.

At the end of the encounter, Parliamentary Secretary Clyde Puli presented the winning trophy to Loyola’s Sammy Jo Barbara as her team celebrated their first top honour.

Loyola: 3 E. Moore, 12 C. Grima, J. Doughty, 2 L. Denooz, D. Hollier, K. Tonna, 6 J. Mangion, 7 A. Sciberras, 10 SJ Barbara. K. Borg

Hibs: J. Xerri, E. Cassar, F. Mifsud, L. Bezzina, M. Zammit,5 M. Desira, K. Gatt, 2 N. Arrigo, 12 K. Baldacchino, 7 J. Cardona, 10 L. Gipson

Referees: E. Mangani, C. Terribile