The women of HandbaL Venlo have won the first game of the battle for the national championship. In a blood-curdling duel in Sporthal Elzenhagen in Amsterdam, coach Robin Gielen’s team defeated VOC 23-24.
VOC Amsterdam was the favorite at home against the Venlo handball players, but had to compete against a team that had never played for the national title before. The North Limburg women were motivated to the bone in the match, in which the first goal was scored after four minutes.
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The home team opened the score, but in no time the score was level again and after 3-3 the Venlo women took away from the team of coach Rachel de Haas to the great surprise of the audience. HandbaL Venlo had control over the match, led 5-12 and dealt a mental blow to the opponent. The Amsterdam handball players had a hard time in the attack against the Venlo women and were unlucky that Liza Roovers defended her goal with verve. The first half ended with a score of 7-13.
VOC more aggressive
In the second half, VOC was more aggressive in covering and HandbaL Venlo struggled to get through the defense of the Amsterdam team. In a time out, VOC was instructed by the coach to play over the left side. The match became more grim, but Venlo ran out to 10-17. VOC came back to 12-17, after which Becky van Nijf pulled the emergency brake and was sent off with a red card.
HandbaL Venlo seemed to be slacking, VOC came into its own game and managed to narrow the deficit to 16-18. The pace remained high and after VOC was only one goal behind, the Venlo women created a gap of three goals: 17-20. However, VOC came closer again and at 19-20 the equalizer seemed a matter of time. HandbaL Venlo again ran out and after Lianne van Sleeuwen’s 20-23 the game seemed decided. That was not worth counting, because VOC punished the Venlo mistakes mercilessly and came back to 22-23. The Venlo handball players kept their cool in the final phase and defeated their Amsterdam opponent 23-24.
Decision
With the victory in the away game against VOC, the women of HandbaL Venlo can become national champions at home next Saturday. If VOC wins in Venlo, the decision will be made a week later in Amsterdam.