The women's handball team from Bjelovar managed to secure a crucial point against Koka (31-31) in their last match, breaking a three-game losing streak that had cost them third place in the league. By scoring at home, they left Dalmatinaka one point behind and remained just a point away from third-placed Zrinski from Čakovec.

The Bjelovar team barely managed to assemble a squad for this match due to injuries and illnesses that had severely weakened their lineup. On Saturday, they even called upon their fitness coach, Ana Vidaković, to join the team. This speaks volumes about the challenging situation coach Mrđen was in. The match against Varaždinka was a true battle for every ball and every step on the court. Both teams gave their all, leaving their hearts and souls on the field. From the first minute, the teams alternated in taking the lead, with the final minutes being highly uncertain. The home girls managed to withstand the last assault by the visitors and preserved a valuable point.

This point is worth its weight in gold, as it likely secures their qualification for the European stage. However, a small formal step remains: Lokomotiva needs to win the semi-final of the Cup against Sinja and thus confirm the European visa for Bjelovar's women. This is a realistic expectation as Lokomotiva, right behind Podravka, is the strongest Croatian team. Winning the semi-final would also open up the possibility for Lokomotiva to challenge Podravka for the Cup final. Podravka will face an easier opponent in Bjelovar in the other semi-final. Against Koka, the players and coach with his core group deserve the highest praise. The team was led by Lucija Cvitanović, Antonia Oremović, and Tina Wurth, supported by goalkeeper Pokopac and Ivona Mrđen.

BJELOVAR: Bajan, Kristić, Pokopac 9 defense, Đurin, Petrić, Oremović 6 (1), Štulina, Mrđen 9, Vidaković, Svetec, Cvitanović 8, Wurth 7, R. Petrović, M. Ćurić, L. Renić 1. Coach: Goran Mrđen.

KOKA: Šopar 6 defense, Galinec 1 defense, Lujić 1, Perić 5, Krajpl 1, Rogina 4, Golub, Strahija 4, Trtinjak, Mrazović, Jurtina 10 (4), Megrle 6, Gugić, Hrš, Coach: Emerson Žnidarić.