In an exciting encounter which went on till the final buzzer Loyola overtook their adversaries and pipped Athleta right at the end to grab their victory.
Athleta must be devastated at losing this match after enjoying good advantages over their opponents. Fouls played a major part in this match with Athleta ending up with bench players on court but Loyola’s grit also paid off in the final stages.
Loyola had Sandra Schembri Wismayer back in action after quite a number of years missing but they were without Kirsty Tonna Adalia Bonanno and Abigail Sciberras. Athleta had Dorien Jager and Dana McKeon missing, the latter now going abroad.
Athleta began the match with their triples by Aleksandra Ratomska and Kelly Busuttil. Loyola were also making points and keeping in touch.
Athleta held on to their advantage until Sammy Jo Barbara brought both teams level. Athelta were in front once more and despite Loyola’s efforts, still held their lead. I
n the second period Loyola overturned the score and the introduction of Schembri Wismayer paid dividends as her side extended their advantage. Athleta returned and drew level once more. Neither side could make up a decent run as Loyola went ahead late in the session to lead 30-27 at the interval.
After the break, and an early Schembri Wismayer hoop, it was Athleta with a good 9-0 run to forge in front.
Then it was Loyola to even things up only for Athleta to open up another advantage. Loyola had time to put in a couple of hoops and with a session to go they were just ahead at 44-43.
Athleta overturned the score and then Loyola brought the score level on four occasions. Athleta made up another 7-0 run but then were hit when they lost four players on fouls. Loyola kept chasing their adversaries with Athleta just hanging grimly on.
In the final minute it was free shots that decided the match with a final 7-2 Loyola run which gave them the spoils after a nerve wracking time.
Loyola 7 E. Moore, 23 C. Grima, 2 J. Doughty, 4 D. Hollier, 4 J. Mangion, 14 S. Schembri Wismayer,
13 SJ Barbara, K. Borg
Athleta M. De Martino, 22 A. Ratomska, 3 C. Ciantar, 4 L. Calleja, 14 L. Sciberras, M. Azzopardi Duca, G. Muscat, R. Sciberras, 6 F. Farrugia, 13 K. Busuttil, 4 C. Mifsud
Referees C. Terribile, S. Gouder