The international appearances, which culminated in winning the bronze medal in the European League, were the major highlight of last season. On Sunday (14:00 CET), the BVB women’s handball players will be aiming to lay the foundations for a return to the group stages when they host Dunarea Braila in the Helmut-Körnig-Halle. (To the tickets.)

As was the case in February when 11,112 fans made their way to the Westfalenhalle for the group game against Siofok, the motto for the game against Dunarea Braila on Sunday will be “All in the hall”. The visitors from Romania are one of the top teams in their domestic league and sit fifth in the 14-team division after 10 games, despite suffering a 27-26 home defeat in the top match against Gloria Bistrita on Wednesday.

BVB coach Henk Groener believes the opposition are strong: “For me, they’re a candidate to reach the Final Four. They have a lot of quality in every position, but play erratically from time to time. They won by only one goal away from home in the first qualifying round against Valur of Iceland but overran their opponents at home. There will probably be more opportunities for us in the home game, because a lion’s den awaits us away from home.”

A decision will only be made at late notice as to whether the Dutchman can count on his compatriot Zoë Sprengers, who is on the verge of her comeback from a muscle fibre tear. Emma Olsson, who missed the Thüringer HC game through illness on Wednesday, is available again. It remains to be seen to what extent Alicia Stolle is an option. The captain made her comeback against THC but was only on the court for the opening 10 minutes. She is set to be slowly eased back into action.

The absence of Emma Olsson has meant that there have recently been no breaks for pivot Lisa Antl, who is looking forward to the international matches. “When I think about last season, I’m still just as emotional as if it had happened yesterday. There are just so many great memories and unique experiences that I’m grateful for.” (To the interview)

For there to be more experiences like that, a tough obstacle must be overcome. There is one Germany international, Meike Schmelzer, in the Braila squad, but otherwise there are many unfamiliar faces. “There are a lot of opponents in the European League that you can’t assess. The teams that are still in the running at the end are the teams that are the most adaptable. So you have to be aware of your own strengths above all else,” Antl explained.

Tickets for the match are available via the BVB Online Ticket Shop. The match will also be broadcast on Youtube and Twitch.