HSG Bensheim/Auerbach: A close-knit group that is suddenly being hunted | hessenschau.de

The HSG Bensheim/Auerbach – known as the “Flames” for short – has had a truly dream season. The South Hesse team ploughed through the Bundesliga, winning 20 of their 26 games and have been runners-up since May. For the first time in what feels like an eternity.

Now the Flames fans can legitimately hope that this dream season will not be a one-off affair. Because: “I think we are a little stronger than last year,” says coach Heike Ahlgrimm to hr-sport before the start of the season on Saturday (6 p.m.) in Neckarsulm.

Well-rehearsed and passionate

The HSG has largely kept its team from the previous season together and is “a close-knit group,” says Ahlgrimm: “We have only got five new additions. We are already very well-rehearsed and we are a team that always gives it their all, that always fights, that always acts with passion and hopefully scores a lot of points.

However, the coach believes it will not be enough to attack the title. Ludwigsburg, which started last season as Bietigheim and finished first undefeated, is simply too strong for the competition this year. Even if it sounds paradoxical, even the runner-up spot may be difficult to achieve this time, despite a stronger squad.

“It won’t be an easy year”

“We are very, very strong, but we are also the hunted this year,” warns Ahlgrimm. While the Flames were the underdogs last season, the competition will certainly not underestimate them this time. “That’s why it won’t be an easy year,” predicts the HSG coach.

At least it will be a year in which Flames fans can look forward to international opponents. As runners-up, the club has qualified for the European League and is set for the group stage. It starts in January 2025. And perhaps the Flames will still be underestimated by one or two opponents in the new season, at least on the international stage.