Four Teams Open Women's Basketball League Season With Victories

The opening round of the 2026-2027 Israeli Women's Basketball League, known as Ligat Athena Winner, concluded with four teams securing wins. Elitzur Ramla, Hapoel Lev Jerusalem, Hapoel Rishon LeZion, and Maccabi Haifa all began their season campaigns with victories on Sunday evening.

Elitzur Ramla defeated Bnei Petah Tikva 78-54, building on their momentum from a EuroCup qualification. Ramla established a lead in the second quarter and extended it significantly in the final period. Imani Thomas led Ramla with 25 points and 10 rebounds, supported by 21 points and 13 rebounds from Daniel Re'em. For Petah Tikva, Lauren Taylor scored 17 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.

Hapoel Lev Jerusalem bested Maccabi Ironi Ramat Gan 62-51. After a close first quarter, Jerusalem took control in the second and third quarters, maintaining a double-digit lead. Madison Williams scored 23 points for Ramat Gan, who struggled with three-point shooting. Jerusalem saw balanced scoring from four players, including Liza Barkany and Nitzan Amar with 11 points each.

Hapoel Rishon LeZion, the reigning champions, defeated newly promoted Bnei Yehuda 84-73. Rishon LeZion started strong, leading by 10 points after the first quarter and extending their advantage to 27 points by halftime. Daisy Young and Anastasia Boldyreva each scored 16 points for Rishon LeZion, who had five players in double figures. 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 tight contest through three quarters, Haifa pulled away with a dominant fourth quarter, outscoring Karmiel 19-7. Nor Kif scored 24 points for Haifa, with Jasmine Walker adding 19. Azana Baines scored 17 points for Karmiel.