Recap

Hibernians progressed to the next round of the Women’s John Tabone Shield with a strong showing against Valletta Lionesses. Hibernians asserted their dominance early in the first quarter, with Kirsty Caruana kickstarting the game with a fast break jump shot, quickly followed by Mikayla Brandon’s layup and free throw, giving them a 5-2 lead. Valletta’s Marija Momcilovic briefly levelled the score with a well-placed layup, but Hibernians responded with a swift scoring run, including baskets from Jasmine Abela and Caruana again, stretching their lead to 9-2.

Valletta’s first three-pointer came through Janae Barnes, who tried to close the gap to 9-5, but Hibernians continued their aggressive play with contributions from Andie Saliba and another layup by Brandon, pushing them to 13-6. Despite another fast-break layup from Momcilovic, Hibernians closed the quarter strong with Elena Cassar and Naomi Farrugia draining crucial shots, ending the first 23-8 in Hibernians’ favour.

The second quarter saw more pressure from Hibernians, with Maria Bonett capitalising on turnovers and Cassar continuing her scoring spree. Despite Barnes’ attempts to lift Valletta with free throws and a pull-up jump shot, Hibernians maintained control. Kaya Calleja added back-to-back three-pointers, widening the lead to 39-12 by the mid-quarter. As Valletta struggled to convert opportunities, Hibernians’ Sharon Vella and Julija Dabic extended their advantage to 47-14 heading into half-time.

In the third quarter, Valletta showed signs of life as Barnes sank a three-pointer and followed up with a few solid free throws, narrowing the score to 23-49. However, Hibernians responded with efficient shooting, including Farrugia’s three-pointer and Bonett’s layups. Barnes tried to keep Valletta competitive, racking up 20 points by mid-quarter, but Hibernians’ well-organised transition play made it difficult for Valletta to make up any ground. Calleja’s late three-pointer extended the lead to 73-32 at the end of the third.

The fourth quarter was a similar story as Valletta struggled to match Hibernians’ tempo. Cassar and Vella combined to push the lead to 79-33, despite Taisiia Nikishina’s free throw for Valletta. Barnes continued to battle with layups and a three-pointer, reaching 29 points personally, but Hibernians’ Farrugia added another three late on to seal the game. The final score of 88-42 reflected Hibernians’ dominance, as Valletta had no answer to their depth and fast-break efficiency.