Women's Basketball League Kicks Off With High-Profile Matchup

The "Athena Winner" women's basketball league is set to launch its new season with a highly anticipated opening game between Elitzur Holon and Maccabi Ashdod. Both teams are considered strong contenders for the championship.

Elitzur Holon, the home team, has undergone significant changes after a strong playoff run last season under coach Roi Lazar. While losing key young players to college, the team has recruited notable Israeli talent, including Eden Rotberg, captain of the national team, returning after a successful stint with Elitzur Ramla. Experienced scorer Tal Lev and promising young player Maya Almaliach have also joined. Holon has also invested in foreign players, signing center Stasha Carey, forward Tenaya Atkinson, and guard Ashley Owusu, who was last season's league top scorer.

Maccabi Ashdod, aiming to replicate their successful 2024-25 season, has also revamped its roster. Coach Shira Elion will lead the team, with Dor Saar being the only returning significant player from last season. The team welcomes back American-Israeli guard Abby Meyers, who was instrumental in their championship win two seasons ago and was named league MVP. Austrian national team captain Anja Fuchs-Robotin is another naturalized player joining the squad. Ashdod has also added experienced Israeli forward Yehal Yovanovich and four foreign players: Serbian forward Katarina Vuckovic, American swingwoman Jazmine Jones, promising American forward Dalaia Daniels, and Spanish guard Paula Estebas.

Ashdod will also be returning to the EuroCup competition after a several-year absence.