Thüringer HC without a chance in summit duel

After eight games without defeat, Thüringer HC's women's handball team suffered another defeat in the German league. The team of Head Coach Herbert Müller lost the summit duel at HB Ludwigsburg by a clear 32:40 (17:20) in front of 961 spectators on Wednesday evening. Josefine Hanfland was the THC's best scorer with six goals, while national player Viola Leuchter scored eight times for the German champions. Despite their third defeat of the season, the Thuringians (21:7 points) remain second in the table, while top club Ludwigsburg now has 26:2 points.

The top-of-the-table game delivered what it promised from the outset. Whereas Ludwigsburg consistently looked for the quick finish, THC's director Natsuki Aizawa set up her teammates brilliantly. The result was an open exchange of blows. The hosts made more consistent use of their chances and pulled three goals ahead by the break.

Reichert reduced the deficit to 18:20 at the start of the second half, before the home side produced a 6:1 run to pull 26:19 ahead in the 40th minute. The club from Thuringia was no longer able to counter the front-runners' fast-paced play in this spell and was often a step too late in defense. They were too static in attack and hardly found a way through against Ludwigsburg's strong middle block. Although THC improved its play in the final phase, Ludwigsburg was in control of the game at all times and ultimately deserved to win by a large margin.