It was a perfect start: Borussia Dortmund, runners-up last season, won 34-24 (20-13) on Saturday evening against SV Union Halle-Neustadt, who finished last year in a strong eighth-place. 450 fans in the Halle Wellinghofen saw an emotional match in which Alina Grijseels ended as the most successful goal scorer with eight goals.

At first, the fans in the Halle Wellinghofen might have been surprised by a new hall floor – a genuine premiere. Head of Department Andreas Heiermann spoke of a "real handball floor that no longer reminds one of a school sports hall". The fans wanted to play their part in enabling a good start: 450 spectators created a wonderful atmosphere, especially as Alina Grijseels was also awarded "Handballer of the Season."

In the match, BVB quickly overcame initial teething problems, the defence became increasingly aggressive, and after ten minutes BVB had taken a 6-3 lead. Despite the Borussian women being forced to ope with a major upheaval in the summer and having to integrate twelve new signings, things were visibly going better for coach André Fuhr's team. Captain Alina Grijseels proved to be a reliable penalty taker and Lisa Antl worked well in the circle and in defence. By the 13th minute, Meret Ossenkopp was successful three times from the right wing as BVB led 9-5. Goalkeeper Yara ten Holte also provided lots of security at the back. Dana Bleckmann was also strong in her first championship match after a long injury enforced absence.

The tempo game, a BVB trademark, was working excellently by ten minutes of play at the latest. And this despite the fact that the coach had to do without a number of his players, no left-handed player was in the squad. After 15 minutes, Zöe Sprengers put BVB into a 10-5 lead. Halle-Neustadt took their first time-out. After that, the visitors got into the swing of things a bit better and reduced the deficit to 6-11.

However, this was nothing more than a brief revival for the visitors. BVB remained unfazed, played with confidence and increased the advantage to 12-6 with a goal by Dana Bleckmann. The last minutes of the first half were dominated by one team: Zöe Sprengers scored with a great counterattack to make it 19-11 in the 28th minute, before Dana Bleckmann made it 20-13 on the stroke of the half-time whistle.

In the second half, BVB continued its fast-paced game. Frida Rønning and Zöe Sprengers quickly increased the advantage to 22-13, but the game was not yet decided. BVB increasingly showed lack of concentration in their finishing and missed numerous chances, coach Fuhr reacted and took a first team timeout with BVB leading 23-16 in the 41st minute. Just four minutes later, Maraike Kusian, Dana Bleckmann and Lisa Antl had quickly increased the lead to 26-18. For the first time, Sophie Moth, the back-up goalkeeper, was allowed to show what she could do in the BVB goal.

The game was virtually decided, even a team timeout by Halle's coach Katrin Schneider in the 50th minute did not alter the course of the game. In the last ten minutes, BVB played with confidence. Captain Alina Grijseels increased the lead to 30-20 with a penalty - for the first time in this match, BVB was leading by ten goals. Halle-Neustadt ran out of steam, while Frida Rønning scored again for BVB to make the final score 34-24. The fans were thrilled, BVB's opening victory was done and dusted.  

BVB coach André Fuhr: "It was a typical opening game, we enjoyed good phases, defended and countered well, but also had a few problems in defence. It was still a good start for us. We'll take the positive things with us onto the next game."

BVB: ten Holte, Moth; Grijseels (8/6), Sprengers (5), Kusian (2), Antl (4), van Kreij (2), Ossenkopp (3), Sasaki, Rønning (4), Stens (1), Hausherr, Bleckmann (5), Garovic