The Normandes are happy to have secured maintenance, taking advantage of Saint-Dié-des-Vosges’ exclusion from the play-in due to financial irregularities (a deficit of 120,000 euros) to secure the final ticket despite a less than impressive sports record (6 wins – 18 losses), but not bad for a newcomer invited by the League in June 2025, when 90% of their squad had already been built for the Elite Feminine.
Simon Garel’s group, who had six consecutive losses but against the top six teams, had everything to gain. However, there was no third miracle.
Driven by their fans, who took advantage of free entry to fill the stands of the old sports center, the Panthers fought well but not enough to defy the odds. Always in the game in each set, the newcomers were not efficient enough to finish every time. In the first round, Bjerregard-Madsen led with winning attacks, but the EVB maintained the lead (19-17) until Svobodova made the difference almost single-handedly (22-25).
The same scenario repeated in the second round, with Bjerregard-Madsen leading the line well supported by Budrak, keeping the Burdis in the game. But former Bordeaux players Bakana and Tetuanui kept the EVB alive (20-21). However, as in the first set and the season, Évreux weakened mentally in crucial moments and let the Girondines slip away (21-25).
But it was written that the Normandes would be rewarded for their efforts even though they struggled with reception-service. Évreux did create a gap (13-9), but the visitors quickly caught up and even took the lead (13-14) thanks to the unstoppable Finnish opposite hitter (19 points). The EVB did not falter despite this setback. This time, they showed strength towards the end of the set thanks to excellent defenses from Brunier Balandras and the enthusiasm of Jansen (20-20; 25-21). In the last round, the Burdis widened the gap several times (7-12, 12-13, 14-19, 19-21). When it was time to truly shake their opponent, Tetuanui and Chereau, also with Bordeaux experience, missed two services.
Fricova put an end to this tightly contested match and gave her team a psychological advantage before the return leg. This marks Bordeaux’s third victory against Évreux this season. Could the fourth come next Tuesday?
