Baia Mare secure spot in the quarter-finals

HCM Baia Mare could even afford to rest some of their players and still handed the heaviest defeat of the Main Round to struggling Thüringer HC. The team from Romania used a 38:27 win to clinch a quarter-final berth with ease against the eliminated German team.

GROUP 1:
HCM Baia Mare (ROM) vs Thüringer HC (GER) 38:27 (19:12)

The Maramoures faithful knew a win against already eliminated Thüringer could seal their place in the quarter-final and they filled Baia Mare’s arena to help their team continue their 100 per cent Main Round record with a fifth straight win.

"I am very proud of my team," Baia Mare coach Aurelian Rosca said, who praised his team's dedication. "Let's enjoy this victory!"

Thüringer started well as Meike Schmelzer and Eliza Buceschi kept the visitors close to Baia Mare, who did not field their strongest line-up.

After the first 20 minutes the team from Romanian found fifth gear and left Thüringer standing. Paula Ungureanu was once again outstanding while Patricia Vizitiu and Alexandra Do Nascimento inspired a great run for the home side.

The match was practically won by halftime as Baia Mare held a 19:12 lead.

Baia Mare sent in their reserves for the second half but still managed to extend their lead as those who play less wanted to show their potential.

Jana Krause did not get much help from the visitors’ wall but still made some excellent saves. Even the heroics of the Thüringer goalkeeper could not save them from the heaviest defeat of the Main Round.

"We only manahed to cope with out opponents for 20 minutes," Thüringer coach Herbert Müller said. "After that, we simply made too many mistakes and Baia Mare have such a strong team that, on their best day, can beat anyone."

Baia Mare are in the quarter-finals regardless of the results from the last round, when they will pay a visit to Ferencváros.

"We are having a very good spirit in the past weeks and I think this spirit has shown today on the court," said Lois Abbingh, who netted six times for Baia Mare.