Bensheim/Auerbach, Blomberg-Lippe, Dortmund and Ludwigsburg all had medal chance before the start of the Final four weekend. After handling a tight semifinal, Ludwigsburg resumed at the highest position on the throne with 31–21 versus Blomberg-Lippe.
Ludwigsburg (then SG BBM Bietigheim) made it a habit to lift the DHB-pokal between 2021 and 2023. Last year’s downfall was just a temporary hiatus for the most successful team of the decade.
Dortmund fought hard to challenge the favourite in the semifinal but a strong attacking presence from Anne With Johansen and Jenny Carlson in the back court managed to lead Ludwigsburg to 30–29. Meanwhile Blomberg-Lippe overturned Bensheim/Auerbach´s advantage from the first half to 27–24.
Bensheim/Auerbach bounced back with quality, 35–34 in the bronze duel but the final was an unexciting affair overall.
Johanna Bunsen rose with the occasion, 14 saves from the goalkeeper put Ludwigsburg at a safe spot defensively.
Scoring is not an uncommon practice for the key player in the Swedish national team. Antje Döll provided several wing goals and Xenia Smits was also efficient from distance in the winning side.
DHB-pokal, final
HSG Blomberg-Lippe–HB Ludwigsburg 21–31 (10–16)