First Test: Larvik Third

Norwegian champions, Larvik HK, are undoubtedly happy that right back Linn-Kristin Riegelhuth decided to stay despite offers from several foreign clubs. The Norwegians will meet Hypo Niederösterreich, Kometal Skopje and a team from the qualification tournaments in the first group stage of the Women’s Champions League.

The Norwegian international was Larvik’s top scorer at the Stelioplast Cup in Wittlich, Germany, this weekend. Larvik finished third.

Riegelhuth and Co. started the tournament by winning 29-20 over German Bundesliga team Trier, before ending their program in their preliminary group on Saturday with a 27-25 defeat from another Bundesliga team, HC Leipzig, who later went on to win the tournament

Close semi-final

In early Sunday’s semi-final, Danish Viborg HK was waiting for Karl-Erik Bøhn’s team. After the equal match ended 26-26, the teams went on penalty shots and Larvik were defeated.

Larvik had to play the match for the third position against another German team, Bayer Leverkusen, which ended second in the Bundesliga last season. Larvik won 22-20 thanks to a brilliant effort by Inge Sofei Heieraas.

Apart from Riegelhuth, coach Bøhn could also be happy with the 19-year old debutant, Janne Klevstad, who did particularly well in the match against Leipzig.