20.02.2010, 07:40
Hypo nearly out of race

Clear defeat in Volgograd – Larvik takes big step to semifinal


Hypo nearly out of race

Larvik HK remains undefeated in the Main Round of Women’s Champions League – and has taken a big step towards the semifinals. Thanks to their second away victory (34:30 in Ljubljana) and now six points after three matches they have the best base for the next stage in group I. After the third defeat in the third match (21:27 in Volgograd) Hypo Niederösterreich is nearly out of the semifinal’s race.

Group I

Krim Mercator – Larvik HK 30:34 (15:21)

In their fifth attempt the Norwegian won for the first time ever a match in Ljubljana and need at least only three more points from three matches to qualify for their first CL semifinal since 2004. Despite the ten goals of Andrea Lekic, Krim didn’thave a chance to beat Larvik. Top scorer of the Norwegian champion was Linn Sulland with nine goals, Tine Stange scored eight times. “I’m so proud of my team,” LHK coach Karl Erik Böhn said after the historical victory in Slovenia. Krim was in lead only once, at the score of 4:3, afterwards Larvik dominated the game and extended the six goals lead at halftime to temporarily nine goals (28:19). Ljubljana, still with two points in the ranking, played better in the final stage of the game, but couldn’t turn the match, the smallest gap were three goals. “It was good to lead with nine goals, because it was quite close at the end,” wing player Kari Mette Johanssen said.

Group II

Dinamo Volgograd – Hypo Niederösterreich 27:21 (15:11)

Ten goals of outstanding Anna Kochetvova (now in total 60 CL goals in this season) brought the clear victory for Volgograd, the first two points for the Russian champion in the Main Round. Even as Hypo’s Brazilian Alexandra do Nascimento scored 13 goals, Hypo didn’t have a chance against the Russian defense wall. Volgograd was the dominating team in the complete 60 minutes – and still can hope for the semis, depending on Sunday’s result in the top match Valcea – Viborg. In contrast, Hypo is nearly out of the race for the semis after three defeats.

TEXT: Björn Pazen


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