The BVB women’s handballers have won their final league game before the World Cup break 26-23 (13-9) against a courageous SU Neckarsulm team. Only three days after their energy-sapping match against Braila in European competition, the Borussia ladies produced a performance with highs and lows.

The scenario: While Neckarsulm were bottom of the Bundesliga and still without a point, BVB had cemented their placed in the group of challengers to league leaders Bietigheim. With a tally of 10-4 points, Dortmund were level with Thüringer HC and Blomberg-Lippe in positions three to five.

Personnel matters: BVB are suffering from bad luck on the injury front. In addition to the two long-term injuries to Dana Bleckmann and Lena Degenhardt (both cruciate ligament ruptures), left winger Zoë Sprengers was once again absent. Having only just recovered from a muscular problem, the Dutchwoman is now out with a knee injury.

The match & analysis: The Borussia women had obviously processed their 25-24 defeat in the first leg of their European League qualifying round tie against Braila. The home team made an aggressive start in defence in front of 400 spectators at Sporthalle Wellinghofen and already led by a 4-0 scoreline after seven minutes. After a goal from the backcourt from Alicia Stolle (7), visiting coach Thomas Zeitz felt compelled to call a first time-out.

Despite BVB’s injury-enforced absences, there was a clear difference in quality between the squads. Neckarsulm did not manage to score a goal in the opening 10 minutes. It was Amber Verbraeken who made it 6-1 after 11 minutes.

Everything pointed to it being a one-sided game in the home side’s favour. But the momentum disappeared after 12 minutes. Misplaced throws, passing errors and misunderstandings saw the Borussia ladies draw a blank in front of goal between the 12th and 17th minutes. Neckarsulm had a good tactical set-up and BVB’s weakness at the back of the court became visible. It was only 7-5 after 20 minutes. 

BVB were able to pull away slightly five minutes before the break. The defence continued to be solid, while fewer mistakes were made going forward. Certainly in part thanks to Lisa Antl, who worked well on the circle and upped the score to 11-7 (27). It was 13-9 at half-time.

But the combative Southern Germans would not be shaken off. The score was 17-12 10 minutes later and Neckarsulm remained in close pursuit. BVB coach Henk Groener’s team then stepped up the pace from the 43rd minute onwards, making it 20-12 and 21-12 through Lisa Antl and Maraike Kusian respectively.

But BVB did not prematurely seal the win as a result, spurning several chances in the following period. Neckarsulm pulled it back to 22-19 by the 50th minute. Henk Groener called another time-out and the coach’s words made an impact. BVB quickly upped the lead to 25-20 in the closing minutes, Sarah Wachter saved another seven-metre throw and Alicia Stolle rounded off the scoring at 26-23.

Reactions: Coach Henk Groener: “Unfortunately, it was a game with highs and lows. We quickly led 6-0 and then dropped off. We had spells in which we were not 100% focused. We can do better. It was a hard-fought win. But we also saw that Neckarsulm do not deserve to be at the very bottom. Pity that our strong spells were not longer. But I’m sure that it will be better in Braila on Sunday. A goal behind is nothing in handball. But it won’t be easy, it’s a lion’s den. However, we can hold our own. We’ll do everything we can to get through to the group stage.”

Alicia Stolle: “We’re happy with the two points. Neckarsulm are not as bad as the table says. We played very well at times, but we were also poor at times. We have to bring more consistency to our game.” 

Outlook: Internationally, the season continues on Sunday 19 November when BVB travel to Braila, Romania, for the return leg of their qualifier for a place in the European League group phase. Throw-off is at 14:00 CET. By contrast, the Bundesliga is now pausing for the World Cup. BVB’s next game is the league’s top match. On Wednesday 27 December, champions and leaders SG BBM Bietigheim will visit the Helmut Körnig-Halle. Throw-off is at 19:30 CET.

Women’s handballers: Lieder, Wachter; Hausherr (1), Kusian (1), Antl (5), van Kreij (5), Stolle (4), Ossenkopp (2), Sasaki, Olsson (1), Rønning (1), Egeling, Heimann, Campos (6/3)