Four Teams Open Women's Basketball League Season With Victories
The opening round of the 2026-2027 season of Israel's Women's National Basketball League, also known as Ligat Athena Winner, kicked off with four teams securing wins on Sunday and Monday. Following Maccabi Ashdod's victory over Elitzur Holon on Sunday, the remaining four games concluded Monday with wins for Elitzur Ramla, Hapoel Lev Jerusalem, Hapoel Rishon LeZion, and Maccabi Haifa.
Elitzur Ramla defeated "Bnei" Petah Tikva 78-54, continuing their momentum from a EuroCup qualification. Ramla established a lead in the second quarter and extended it significantly in the final period. Immari Thomas led Ramla with 25 points and 10 rebounds, supported by 21 points from Danielle Rebar. Petah Tikva's Lauren Taylor scored 17 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, but their team struggled with turnovers and points in the paint.
Hapoel Lev Jerusalem bested Maccabi Ironi Ramat Gan 62-51. After Ramat Gan took an early lead, Jerusalem surged in the second and third quarters to maintain a double-digit advantage. Madison Williams scored 23 points for Ramat Gan, who shot poorly from beyond the arc. Jerusalem's victory was a team effort, with four players scoring in double figures, led by Liza Barkany and Nitzan Amar with 11 points each.
Hapoel Rishon LeZion, the defending champions, started strong against newcomer Bnei Yehuda, winning 84-73. Rishon LeZion built a substantial lead by halftime, and despite a late comeback attempt by Bnei Yehuda, the champions held on. Daisy Young and Anastasia Boldyreva each scored 16 points for Rishon LeZion, who also received significant contributions from their bench. Leona Odom was the top scorer for Bnei Yehuda with 24 points and 15 rebounds.
In the northern derby, Maccabi Haifa defeated Maccabi Karmiel Beit HaKerem 76-62. After a close contest for three quarters, Haifa pulled away with a dominant fourth quarter. Nur Kiof led Haifa with 24 points, assisted by Jasmine Walker's 19 points. Azana Baines scored 17 points for Karmiel, who could not overcome Haifa's late surge. The win was significant for Haifa's coach, Daniela Reuven, against her former team.
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