Larvik double main round points

Larvik doubled the number of points they will carry into the main round while HCM Baia Mare enter the next phase of the Women’s EHF Champions League empty handed after Larvik won 27:22 at home on Saturday evening.

With no less than 11 goals, right back Nora Mörk made a strong contribution to the Norwegian win, returning to the team from injury.

GROUP A
Larvik (NOR) vs HCM Baia Mare 27:22 (12:12)

It was not Baia Mare’s day in the EHF Champions League on Saturday. First, their men’s team lost 25:23 against HC Motor Zaporozhye and a few hours later, the women lost in Larvik. For the women, the defeat means they enter the main round with zero points for the second year in succession.

Larvik, on the other hand, doubled their points for the main round – from two to four – with the win.

Larvik welcomed Mörk, Amanda Kurtovic and Tine Stange back from injury ahead of the game, with the return of Mörk turning out to be particularly crucial.

However, the addition of rejuvenated players did not stop Baia Mare from getting the better start. In virtually no time the visitors led 3:0, and even though the home team quickly came back to take a 7:4 lead, the first half remained equal all the way to the break.

The level score line persisted through the beginning of the second half until three penalty saves in a row from Larvik keeper Sandra Toft helped the hosts pull ahead to 18:15.

Baia Mare drew equal at 18:18, but this was the last time the visitors managed to strike back, as Larvik finished far stronger.

While Nora Mörk scored 11 goals for Larvik, Baia Mare’s top scorers were Allison Pineau and Lois Abbingh with four goals each.