Starlites land the Under 19 Women title

St. James Hospital League Women Under 19 Women Final

Starlites     49     Depiro     32                  

(12-8, 8-8, 18-5, 11-11)

Starlites: M. Zammit Cordina, K. Galea 13, M. Ferrante, L. Ferrante, D. Agius 3, K. Pirotta 6, J. Micallef 15, E. Magrin 1, A. Micallef 8, K. Zerafa 1, M. Cuschieri 2, M. Riolo

Depiro: Nic. Agius 21, A. Baluci, M. Balzaraviciute 6, J. Mallia, L. Camilleri 1, M. Micallef 1, Noe. Agius , L. Vella 3, L. Agius, C. Fenech, G. Baluci

Referees: C. Farrugia, I. Simic, M. Rajczi

A strong third quarter performance helped Starlites to the under 19 women title. Depiro did try their best but Starlites were the better side on the day and ended up as merited winners.

The first half, albeit a very low scoring one with most players feeling the importance of the final, was a balanced affair even though Starlites had most of the upper hand. Depiro, however, did throw in a challenge and even had the first lead with Nicole Agius and Laura vella scoring the baskets.

Starlites, who had beaten the same opponents twice in the regular season, rpelied with an eight point run and consecutive points from Kirsty Galea helped them go in front.

In the second quarter Mante Balzaraviciute tried hard to inspire Depiro and the blues did stay very close as it was only two late hoops from Jaelle Micallef which helped Starlites to a slender 20-16 half time lead.

Starlites dominated the play when action resumed after the interval as they opened a double digit lead whilst keeping their opponents to just five points in the quarter.

With a 38-21 advantage, Starlites could control the tempo in the final quarter as hoops from Anthea Micallef and Kim Pirotta ascertained their victory.

After the final, Starlites’ captain Galea was presented with the league trophy by the MBA President Paul Sultana.