Borussia Dortmund cemented their place at the summit and maintained their perfect start to the season with an important 34-28 (20-14) away win against HSG Bensheim/Auerbach Flames on Matchday 15 of the Women's Handball Bundesliga.

Their closest challengers, reigning champions SG BBM Bietigheim, won 30-25 in Bad Wildungen and remain three points behind the league leaders in second place.

The BVB Women made a poor start against a Bensheim side currently eighth in the table and found themselves 4-1 down after five minutes. It was not until the midway point of the first period that they got a better foothold in the game and took the lead for the first time, going 13-12 in front on 21 minutes. Coach André Fuhr's charges were 20-14 ahead at the break and at one point in the second half led by nine goals. The key performers in the pivotal away win were the excellent Isabell Roch in goal, as well as Kelly Dulfer and the young Dana Bleckmann, who contributed 18 goals between them.

Full focus will immediately switch to the next big game against Thüringer HC – who are currently in fifth place but have two games in hand – at Sporthalle Wellinghofen next Saturday. Throw-off will be at 19:30 CET. (br)