Thüringer HC embarrasses itself at penultimate place

The women's handball club Thüringer HC has suffered its second successive defeat in the German league in a complete surprise. After an indisputable performance, the team of Head Coach Herbert Müller lost 26:29 (11:12) at penultimate-placed Sport-Union Neckarsulm. With eight goals, Johanna Reichert was the best scorer for THC, which dropped to third place with its fourth defeat of the season.

Three days after the 32:40 defeat in the summit duel at HB Ludwigsburg, the runners-up disappointed across the board in Neckarsulm. A sluggish and uninspired performance in attack initially left it trailing 4:7 in the 16th minute. Even a timeout by Müller did not improve matters, with the result that the underdogs were able to extend their lead to 11:7 (22'). It was only in the final five minutes before the break that the Thuringians developed more drive on goal and equalized with a 4:0 run.

Too many gaps in defense

The pace increased significantly on both sides in the second half. Kathrin Pichlmeier put the THC ahead for the first time in the game with her goal to make it 17:16 in the 38th minute. However, the visitors were not able to capitalize on the momentum. They were too static in offense and repeatedly exposed gaps in defense without the sorely missed Anika Niederwieser.

Neckarsulm pulled 25:22 ahead by the 53rd minute. The Thuringians fought their way back to 26:27 (58') in the final spell, but a missed seven-meter penalty by Reichert prevented them from turning the game around.