The Bundesliga handball club Thüringer HC has taken a big step towards the semi-finals. The team of Head Coach Herbert Müller beat HSG Bensheim/Auerbach 36:34 (22:15) in the first game of the playoff quarter-final on Sunday evening and only needs one more win to advance.
In front of 1,281 spectators, Johanna Reichert was THC's best scorer with seven goals. Kim Irion scored nine goals for the visitors. The second game of the best-of-three series will take place in Bensheim next Saturday (4 p.m.).
Large lead at half-time
Both teams started the game at a high tempo and made consistent use of their chances in attack. After less than eleven minutes, they had already scored 17 goals (9:8). The Thuringians then stepped up their intensity in defense without losing their punch in attack. With a 4:0 run, they pulled 18:12 ahead (22nd minute) and even led by seven goals at the break. The burden in offense was spread evenly across several shoulders.
In the second half, Bensheim's international Nina Engel turned on the heat and almost single-handedly pulled her team back to 24:26 (39'). THC was now a little too static in attack, but fought passionately and so kept the visitors at bay. Although the HSG closed the gap to one goal three times in the final spell, the home side kept its nerve and always had the right response at the ready. Kerstin Kündig ensured the final decision five seconds before the end.
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