Starlites GIG    75    Luxol    57

(11-13, 24-5, 20-20, 20-19)

Starlites began their defence of the league title, they won last season, with a victory over the Violets, their third this season, after Independence Cup and Shield wins. After a balanced opening session Starlites took control and slipped away from their adversaries. Luxol were left behind, till the interval, and although they managed to share the paly for the remainder of the match, the heavy deficit they had was always there, and the champions could stroll through to their opening victory, and go alongside Hibs, who had won their match the day before. Both sides had an important player missing, with Christine Curmi absent for Starlites, with Emma Degiorgio taking her place, and Sharon Vella, injured in training, also out of the squad, for Luxol.

Starlites' opening two hoops were answered back by the Violets, who went on to lead, with an 8-2 run. Starlites tied the score, but Luxol were again ahead, as Monique Caruana netted a triple. Maria Bonett pulled a bucket back, but Starlites were still in arrears. The second session was Luxol's downfall. Starlites were all over them, starting with a 12-0 run, and a trey by the Spaniard, Patricia Arguello. Luxol managed points back, halfway through the period, but Starlites followed with another 9-0 run, mostly from Anthea Micallef, with her long strides. Mandi Mercieca kept making her points for the Violets, although they were for a lost cause. At the interval, Starlites were enjoying a 35-18 advantage.

After the break Starlites were still extending their lead, as Mikela Riolo began with a triple. Mercieca was everywhere for the Violets, and her points kept Luxol from falling further behind. At the other end, there were Bonett and Steffi DeMartino, to keep Starlite son an even advantage, as they ended the session on a 55-38 score. The last quarter had Starlites pushing further, with a 7-0 run. Luxol went one better, sinking eight points, and Caruana and Sarah pace triples. Starlites' next points had Luxol's reaction, with Mercieca emerging as the game's top scorer. Micallef added free throws for Starlites. Later in the match, with the Violets obtaining the last points, for a somewhat better scoreline.

Starlites: M. Zammit Cordina 5, M. Riolo 11, A. Micallef 16, S. Farrugia, M. Bonett 14, F. Fabok 2, E. Degiorgio, S. DeMartino 15, P. Arguello 10, M. Cutajar, S. Davies, A. Lupo 2

Luxol: S. Pace 10, B. Zammit, N. Vella, I. Baena 4, No. Vella 2, C. Sollami 3, K. Portelli, A. Borg 7, J. Schembri, M. Caruana 12, L. Caruana Montaldo, M. Mercieca 17

Referees: I. Simic, S, Jafilica, L. Camilleri