Düsseldorfer HC won back the German title from Mannheimer HC, defeating their big rivals in the women’s final for the third time in four seasons.
They took the laurels in the 78th edition of the competition, edging out their opponents 2-1 in front of 3,000 fans with Selin Oruz picking up the MVP award.
Unlike the 2022 final, when spectators had to wait in vain for 60 minutes for goals, this time there was something to note after just five minutes.
From turnover ball, Lilly Stoffelsma found Dutch star Mabel Brands who got the lightest of touches to make it 1-0 to DHC.
MHC took their time to get into the contest but they were level by half-time. Charlotte Gerstenhöfer was the instigator as she drove into the circle and then fired with her forehand. Femke Jovy was able to get a touch to the bullet in the DHC goal, but was unable to defuse it; the ball bouncing off her and over the line: 1-1.
The winner came in the third quarter. Sophia Schwabe did the assisting and served up the chance for Lucy Zich in the middle. The U18 national player shot high into the net to make it 2-1 (38th).
Mannheim tried the best to force their way back level once again but it was impossible to get past the defensive boards of Pia Lhotak, Annika Sprink and, before that, Selin Oruz.
As a result of their respective runs to the German final, both sides qualify for next year’s EHL Women’s FINAL12.
