HSG Blomberg-Lippe Wins First German Women's Handball Championship

Blomberg fought back and took their first lead when Nieke Kühne scored to make it 11:10 in the 24th minute. The home side held a narrow 13:12 advantage at halftime, preserved when Veith saved a penalty shot from Dortmund's Deborah Lassource just before the break.

Red Card and Resilience

After the restart, HSG Blomberg-Lippe quickly established the first three-goal lead of the match. The momentum shifted dramatically in the 36th minute when Blomberg's defensive leader Maxi Mühlner received a red card for a dangerous challenge against Kelly Vollebregt, who twisted her ankle on the play and was temporarily unable to continue.

Despite being reduced to four outfield players against five at times, Blomberg showed remarkable resilience. They extended their lead to 20:17 by the 43rd minute. Dortmund introduced goalkeeper Melinda Szikora, who prevented several big scoring chances and kept her team within reach.

The decisive blow came in the 54th minute when Farelle Njinkeu, recently named the league's best young player, scored to make it 26:21. Njinkeu finished the match with five goals, capping a breakthrough season for the 19-year-old. Guro Nestaker added only her second goal from seven attempts in the 50th minute, but it proved timely.

End of a Dynasty

Dortmund's Deborah Lassource converted six of her nine penalty shots, and Alina Grijseels contributed four goals, but the visitors could not close the gap in the closing stages. The final whistle triggered celebrations as Blomberg secured the 30:26 victory and the championship.

The title ends a four-year reign by SG BBM Bietigheim, which competed under the new name HB Ludwigsburg in 2025. Borussia Dortmund had last won the championship in 2021.

Blomberg's path to the final included a 2:1 semifinal series victory over fourth-placed Thüringer HC. Dortmund reached the final by sweeping third-placed HSG Bensheim/Auerbach 2:0 in their semifinal.

Individual Accolades

Days before the decisive final, two Blomberg players received individual league honors. Nieke Kühne, 21, was named Player of the Season, while Farelle Njinkeu, 19, was recognized as Rookie of the Season.

The championship marks a historic milestone for the club from East Westphalia-Lippe, which had never previously claimed the Bundesliga title. Coach Steffen Birkner's squad delivered the triumph in front of a jubilant home crowd, completing a finals series comeback after dropping the first match in Dortmund.