Josine Koning’s incredible shoot-out heroics saw Den Bosch survive a huge battle with Gantoise to move a step closer to a third EHL Women’s title.
The goalkeeper kept a clean sheet in the one-v-one phase as her side won 3-0 after an epic normal time tussle ended 1-1.
It was back and forth throughout with Alix Gerniers’ backhand the first shot in anger in the ninth minute while Ambre Ballenghien’s amazing upright volley was repelled by Koning.
In response, Charlotte Englebert’s rising shot hit the outside of the post, keeping it 0-0 at half-time.
Into the second half and Maartje Krekelaar was the first to sting the gloves of Pauline de Ryck before the first goal came. Laura Nunnink was teed up by Emma Reijnen and had all the time to get her shot away – it was saved but Lieve Wijckmans was available to chip in the shot.
Gantoise came roaring back and won a string of penalty corners, the last of which was slapped powerfully in by Alix Gerniers via a big deflection.
That was with less than a minute to go, sending the game to a shoot-out. There, however, Koning was unbeatable while Pien Sanders, Krekelaar and Frédérique Matla all scored theirs for an emotional win.
