Four Teams Secure Opening Wins in Israeli Women's Basketball League
The 2026/27 season of the Athena Winner Women's Basketball League kicked off with four teams securing victories on Sunday and Monday. Following Maccabi Ashdod's win over Elitzur Holon on Sunday, Elitzur Ramla, Hapoel Lev Jerusalem, Hapoel Rishon LeZion, and Maccabi Haifa all started their seasons with wins on Monday.
Elitzur Ramla defeated "Bnei" Petah Tikva 78-54, continuing their momentum after qualifying for the EuroCup. Ramla established a halftime lead of 48-36 and sealed the win with a dominant 20-9 fourth quarter. Imani Thomas led Ramla with 25 points and 10 rebounds, while Danielle Reber added 21 points and 13 rebounds in her return to the team. Ramla capitalized on Petah Tikva's turnovers, scoring 23 points from miscues and 48 points in the paint.
Hapoel Lev Jerusalem bested Maccabi Ironi Ramat Gan 62-51. After Ramat Gan led early, Jerusalem took control with a combined 41-26 run in the second and third quarters, maintaining a double-digit lead. Madison Williams scored 23 points for Ramat Gan, who struggled from beyond the arc, shooting 2 of 17. Jerusalem saw a balanced scoring effort with four players in double figures, led by Liza Barkany with 12 points and 6 assists.
The defending champions, Hapoel Rishon LeZion, defeated newly promoted Bnei Yehuda 84-73. Rishon LeZion established a commanding 27-10 lead in the first quarter and extended it to 54-27 by halftime. Despite a late comeback attempt by Bnei Yehuda, Rishon LeZion secured the victory. Daisy Young and Anastasia Boldyreva each scored 16 points for Rishon LeZion, who received 20 points from their bench players.
In the northern derby, Maccabi Haifa defeated Maccabi Karkur Beit Hakerem 76-62. After a close contest for three quarters, Haifa pulled away with an impressive 19-7 fourth quarter. Coach Daniela Reuben secured a significant win against her former team. Nor Keff scored 24 points for Haifa, supported by Jasmine Walker's 19 points. Azana Baines scored 17 points for Karkur, but it was not enough.
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