Recap

Valletta Lionesses and Athleta played a close and intense match, with momentum swinging back and forth as each team battled to secure the lead in this MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League encounter. Ultimately, Athleta went on to grab the first victory of their campaign by a point.

Athleta opened the first quarter with strong offensive play. Camila Londono started the scoring with a jump shot, followed by Francesca Sant and Kenedi Williams capitalising on turnovers for fast-break points. Williams continued to add pressure with her pull-up jumper, giving Athleta a 10-point lead. However, Milica Stefanovic of Valletta responded with consecutive three-pointers, cutting the deficit to four as the first quarter ended.

In the second quarter, Valletta continued to chip away at Athleta’s lead. Stefanovic made an early free throw, but Londono quickly countered with a layup for Athleta. Britney Agius then extended Athleta’s advantage with a three-pointer, bringing the score to 7-15. Stefanovic kept Valletta within reach with layups and free throws, and Taisiia Nikishina added points from close range, narrowing the gap to just three. Williams’ timely jump shot and Nikishina’s second layup before halftime kept Athleta’s lead to a slim 18-21.

The third quarter showcased both teams’ resilience. Williams added crucial layups and jump shots, amassing a personal tally of 17 points by the quarter’s end. However, Stefanovic’s sharp shooting, including a three-pointer from a turnover, briefly gave Valletta a 26-25 lead. The teams traded baskets, with Williams scoring in the paint and Stefanovic sinking another three-pointer to tie the game at 29. Williams managed to hit three consecutive free throws just before the buzzer, giving Athleta a slight 31-34 edge entering the final quarter.

In the fourth quarter, Valletta gained momentum as Nikishina and Janae Barnes scored on fast breaks, edging Valletta ahead. Stefanovic sank a three-pointer to establish a small lead, but Williams quickly responded with her own step-back three-pointer, tying the game again. Barnes and Stefanovic put Valletta back in front through free throws and layups, establishing a 47-42 advantage. Athleta fought back, with Vella scoring a crucial three-pointer to level the score at 49.

With under a minute remaining, Barnes scored a driving layup to put Valletta ahead 52-51. Vella’s steady free throws, however, sealed the game for Athleta with a 53-52 victory.