27.10.2014, 03:50
Wojtas shines on her return to Lublin

NEWS REPORT: Larvik's Polish summer signing put emotions to one side for 60 minutes as she was instrumental in the away victory at her former club

Wojtas shines on her return to Lublin

In May 2014, Alina Wojtas was one of MKS Selgros Lublin’s key players in the exciting battle for their 17th national league title.

On Friday, she played in the Globus hall once again, but for the first time in a Larvik playing kit. Alina Wojtas came back home and showed her class and professionalism giving an important victory to her new team in the Women’s EHF Champions League clash.

“Actually it was quite difficult for me to describe my emotions before this match. I was nervous and excited at the same time and a bit afraid of spectators’ reaction when I would enter the court with my new team.

“But the fans were absolutely great and welcomed me very warmly,” said the 27-year-old left back, who spent almost six years in Lublin before joining Larvik HK.

Polish media representatives were speculating before the game whether they would see Wojtas scoring 10 goals as she used to do in her best matches or would not be able to deal with facing her ex-teammates and coaches.

The popular ‘Ala’ was among starting seven chosen by the coach Ole Gustav Gjekstad. She seemed a bit tense but scored one goal in the first 14 minutes while Larvik was leading 9:4. Probably no one was expecting or even hoping that Selgros could equalise or take a lead before the second half. But in women's handball, even at Champions League level, nothing can be taken for granted.

˜I played against Metz Handball the week before and I can guarantee that if Lublin shows the same handball quality as against Larvik, they can beat anyone in Europe, not only the French champions,” commented Wojtas, who was clearly proud of her former teammates.

Until the 55th minute of the game nothing was sure, but in the key moment of the encounter it was up to Wojtas to show her “specialite de la maison” - the extremely powerful shots from nine metres. Together with Linn Kristin Koren Riegelhuth she was Larvik's top scorer with six goals.

“I didn't ask Alina too much about her former team as I didn't want her to help us in analysis,” said Ole Gustav Gjekstad at the press conference.

“I thought it wouldn't be fair as she played here for such a long time. Obviously, I am very satisfied with what she showed in the match as she gave us a lot,” added Larvik's head coach.

The place where I left a piece of my heart

Wojtas could not participate in the press conference for a very simple reason. The crowd of fans, journalists and hundreds of kids did not let her leave the court.

Everyone wanted to have her autograph or to take a picture with her. Alina is well known in Poland for her big devotion to the youngest handball spectators and is an indisputable icon for them.

“I am extremely happy that I could come another time to the place where I left a piece of my heart,” said Wojtas, asking also to send her best greetings to all eurohandball.com readers.

“On one side it's a pity Alina is not anymore with us but on the other side we are proud that she is in one of the biggest teams in Europe,” said the president of the Lublin's fan club Michal Szubartowski, hoping that Wojtas will one day come back to play for MKS Selgros.

TEXT: Michał Pomorski / cor