Despite the defeat, the THC players celebrated in their own hall. In the end, the lead from the first leg against Nyköbing was enough to make it to the final four.
With 36:37 (18:22) the Thuringians lost to the Danish top team in the Salza Hall. After the four-goal win a week ago, the defending champions are still in the semi-finals. In addition to top scorer Johanna Reichert, Natsuki Aizawa (seven goals) impressed against strong Danes who gave coach Herbert Müller a headache for a long time.
Nyköbing mercilessly
Reichert, who was unable to train during the week, played on the THC side, as did the ailing Nathalie Hendrikse and Josefine Hanfland. But the hosts also had a hard time with their top player. The Danes’ first 15 throws were all in, the Thuringians were behind 9:15 (18th) and would have been eliminated. But supported by Johanna Reichert, who scored seven goals by the break, the THC fought its way back and was only behind 18:20 (29th) after a remarkable goal from Aizawa. A double strike from Nyköbing brought back the four-goal deficit that went into the break.
Johanna Reichert contributed 15 goals in the THC’s defeat.
Reichert leads THC into the semi-finals
The second half didn’t get off to an ideal start either, with Nyköbing leading by five goals just three minutes after the break (19:24). But the THC recovered bit by bit and after a 3-0 run even turned the game to 29:27 (44th), the game seemed decided. But the Danes didn’t let up and, supported by the strong Clara Lerby (eleven goals in the end), turned the game back to the guests’ side. The THC narrowly lost in the end, but was once again able to thank Johanna Reichert and her 15 goals for making it to the final four. The Thuringians will continue in the European Cup on May 16th in the semi-finals in Graz.
SpiO/dpa
