Recap

Starlites extended their impressive streak with a dominant display over Athleta, setting the tone early and maintaining their grip throughout the game.

Makaila Napoleon was the driving force behind Starlites’ offensive charge, while Michaela Zammit Cordina and Philippa Riolo were also instrumental in the victory. For Athleta, Kennedi Williams led the scoring effort, but their struggles in possession and defensive lapses allowed Starlites to take control from the outset.

Britney Agius gave Athleta an early lead, finishing a fast-break layup, but Starlites responded emphatically. Napoleon made her mark with a quick transition basket, and Christina Curmi followed with a smooth jumper. Riolo and Ylenia Bonett added to the surge, and Napoleon continued to punish Athleta with her ability to score in transition. Starlites’ relentless defence forced turnovers, with Napoleon capitalising inside before adding another mid-range effort. When Zammit Cordina knocked down back-to-back three-pointers, Starlites had built a commanding 31-6 advantage by the end of the quarter.

Athleta attempted to regroup as Laura Camilleri finished a layup off a turnover to open the second period, but Starlites quickly responded with Napoleon converting in the paint. Zammit Cordina extended the lead further with a strong drive, and Napoleon added from the free-throw line. Curmi then struck from beyond the arc, pushing the margin past thirty. Athleta’s attempts to find offensive rhythm were consistently disrupted, with their first significant response coming from Williams, who drained a three-pointer. Despite late efforts, Starlites remained in full control, heading into the break with a comfortable 50-13 lead.

The third quarter followed a similar pattern, with Starlites keeping their defensive pressure high. Bonett and Riolo added quick scores, while Williams pushed to spark some life into Athleta’s offence with back-to-back baskets on the break. Francesca Sant added second-chance points inside, but Napoleon and Zammit Cordina continued to dictate the tempo. A late push saw Athleta cut the deficit slightly, with Sant, Williams, and Vella finding the basket, but Starlites’ firepower remained too much to handle as they closed the quarter up 64-30.

With the result all but secured, Starlites continued to find success in the fourth quarter. Riolo connected from deep before Agius and Kelsey Abela found some consolation points inside for Athleta. Williams continued to battle, adding further fast-break scores, but the gap remained insurmountable. As the final moments played out, Zammit Cordina and Adriana Lupo added late baskets to seal Starlites’ emphatic victory.