Nußbach made a mistake in the first quarter-finals: state champions are under pressure

It was literally at the last moment that Askö Laakirchen made it into the quarter-finals of the women’s fistball league in sixth place. In the first quarter-final duel, defending champion Union Haidlmair Nußbach still stumbled against the permanent rivals: The Nußbachers, who were severely weakened by substitutes, lost away to the extremely efficient Laakirchnerinnen 1: 4 (9:11, 11:8, 7:11, 11:13, 9:11) .

Even before kick-off, Nußbach knew that the paper townsfolk would not be easy. In addition, coach Marco Salzberger had to make do with a decimated squad: With captain Marlene Hieslmair and defender Jasmin Kammerhuber, two regulars were missing from the first meeting for private reasons.

Nußbach, who had survived the Bundesliga round without losing any points, started like a shot and pulled away to 9:4. But then the thread broke, Laakirchen played more consistently, the state champions struggled with careless mistakes. The hosts scored seven points in a row and won the first set 11:9. As a result, an exciting, balanced game developed. Nußbach kept gaining a small lead, but Laakirchen usually fought back successfully. The result was a well deserved 1:4 defeat for the Salzberger team.

“We knew it was going to be difficult. Unfortunately, we weren’t 100% convincing in all positions,” says setter Jana Lugerbauer: “A lack of concentration crept in again and again and we missed using the easy balls. Nevertheless, we have to look ahead now.” Nußbach now needs two wins at the weekend to keep the chance of defending the title.

In the fight for the final place in “Final 3” there will be a second leg against Laakirchen on Saturday at 9.30 a.m. at the Nußbacher Sportplatz. Should the Kremstal team win the game, a decider will follow on Sunday.