KO3: Surbiton HC – Düsseldorfer HC

Match report

Lisa Nolte and Nathalie Kubalski’s heroics saw Düsseldorfer HC advance to the FINAL4 for the first time as they scored a late equaliser and then won a shoot-out.

Steph Elliott gave Surbiton a vital lead early in the second quarter when she reacted quickest to a corner rebound created by Giselle Ansley’s piledriver. Natalie Kubalski saved the first up shot well but Elliott’s touch flew high over the prone goalkeeper.

Düsseldorf made most of the waves through the third quarter with Clara Ycart charging forward but they were unable to find a way past the composed Giselle Ansley with Sabbie Heesh making some neat blocks.

The German side did get back level, however, with 12 minutes to go when Lisa Nolte struck hard from the top of the circle, the ball skipping into the right corner.

After that, the pressure was incessant as Düsseldorf camped in the Surbiton 23-metre zone but never really broke through the ranks in the circle for a clean shot.

And so it developed to the second shoot-out of the day. Both goalkeepers dominated the early exchanges with Heesh and Nathalie Kubalski saving twice each before Sara Strauss, Izzy Petter and Agustina Albertarrio scored.

Kubalski saved once more and the Nolte slotted home for a 3-1 success.