For the fifth day of the championship this season, the Gym traveled for the second consecutive time this Saturday to face Mérignac. Once again, the Azuréennes faced a defeat away from home (24-21). A fourth loss in five matches in a game where everything was decided by the smallest margin, or almost.
Still no victory away from home for the Gym. After failing against Bourg de Péage (31-21) two weeks ago, history seems to repeat itself against Mérignac. However, the women from Nice managed to stand their ground against the Mérignac players for nearly the entire match.
A close and suspenseful match
The two teams neutralized each other at the beginning of the match. In this context, it seemed difficult for both teams to find openings or even the back of the net. The score remained level (5-5, 11th minute). Even though the home team managed to take the lead on the scoreboard (9-8, 20th minute), it didn’t take long for the women from Nice to respond and draw level (11-11, 30th minute). Eleven all at halftime, everything was still to play for the two rivals.
Another narrow defeat
While the Mérignac players tried to solidify their lead (15-14, 43rd minute), the Southerners did everything they could to prevent their opponents from pulling away on the scoreboard. They succeeded in doing so ten minutes before the final whistle (18-18, 50th minute). A slight lapse occurred within Marjan Kolev’s team. The home team took advantage and led by a three-point gap (23-20, 57th minute).
As the end approached, defeat seemed inevitable. At (24-20), only a handful of seconds remained, precisely 45, which wasn’t enough to change the situation. Djazz Chambertin’s last goal didn’t change anything, the Gym women’s team lost 24-21 against Mérignac.
It was the fourth defeat of the season in five games for Marjan Kolev and his players. They find themselves in ninth place in the Ligue Butagaz Energie ranking and will face Chambray at the Charles-Ehrmann sports hall next Wednesday. On the other hand, Mérignac recorded their first victory of the season. The Mérignac players, who had suffered four consecutive losses, will travel to Nantes for the next match day.
