Mérignac could not continue in Dijon
With an immediately effective Claire Vautier, the Dijon start is good. It is only obscured by the three goals at the pivot of Noémie Lachaud, whom we will not see again later to torment the JDA (4-4, 6e). Behind, Cesareo scores at the pivot, Di Rocco cleans the top corner and Delorme converts into a recovered ball (7-4, 9e). Dijon has just got their hands on the game and won’t let go.
When the attack seizes up a bit (10-8, 16e), Kristy Zimmerman is in charge of chaining the stops and Vautier returns from a short stint on the bench to place a missile under the bar and a delicious roucoulette (13-10, 23e). Christophe Mazel then distills a well-felt 1-5 defense and Dijon reaps the benefits in counter-attack by Valero or Dury, Audrey Deroin seeming very alone at the end of the first period to stop Dijon’s rise (18-12).
Without suspense
The intensity of the locals is undeniable as soon as both sides of the field resume, and the JDA flies away with the score (23-14, 40e). There is then a downbeat which for a moment insinuates doubt into people’s minds, especially since Hélène Falcon deflects a lot of shots (9 saves) and brings her colors closer (24-18, 45e).
On a goal from Léa Lignières, Mérignac comes within five lengths, and the mad hope of an undecided money-time is almost dawning. Problem, just after, Dijon completely closes the floodgates, conceding only one goal in ten minutes. Rosario Urban finds the flaw in the wing, Ilona Di Rocco lights up the palace with a few well-felt firecrackers and extinguishes all suspense (29-19, 55e). Final score: 30-22.