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Athlete of the Week on RRI – Handballer Paula Ungureanu

Paula Ungureanu was decisive for her team's last win.

Florin Orban, 20.10.2015, 13:14

The Romanian womens handball teams playing in the Champions League have moved past the group phase. HCM Baia Mare grabbed a 33-27 away win against Krim Mercator Ljubljana of Slovenia in Group A, while CSM Bucharest trounced MKS Selgros Lublin of Poland 33-21 on home turf in Group D.

Certainly, of the two results, the most surprising is the win secured by HCM Baia Mare. Krim Mercator is a powerful club right now, playing five Champions League finals and winning two, in 2001 and 2003. Despite this, the odds had HCM Baia Mare favourite to win.

Aurelian Roscas trainees had a tough game in Ljubljana. The first half was balanced, with HCM Baia Mare managing to secure a small lead. The top scorers for Romania were Allison Pineau of France and Lois Abbingh of the Netherlands, each with 9 goals. However, it was goalkeeper Paula Ungureanu who made the difference, which is why we have designated her Athlete of the Week on RRI.

Still recovering after an injury sustained during the qualifiers, Paula Ungureanu was sent onto the court 10 minutes into the game, when the scoreboard read 7-all. Her first save prevented Krim Mercator from making it 9 all a couple of minutes later. The Slovene team came back in the lead, and but for Paulas remarkable saves, they could have secured even a bigger lead. HCM Baia Mare had a one-goal lead at half-time.

In the second half HCM Baia Mare again took the lead. Paula Ungureanus saves again made the difference in key moments throughout the game. HCM Baia Mares offensive power waned, but Paula Ungureanu kept the teams chances of winning the game alive. Towards the end, HCM picked up their game and secured the win with a 6-goal lead.

Paula Ungureanu was born on March 30, 1980 in Brasov. She made her debut at REMIN Deva, playing the Challenge Cup final with that team in 2004. Between 2004-2006 she played for Hypo Niederosterreich Vienna, one of Europes most prestigious clubs. In 2005 she reached with her club the Champions League semi-finals. In 2006 she was signed by Dunaferr, Hungary, playing in the EHF Cup semi-finals in 2008. Also in 2008 she transferred to Podravka Koprivnica and then moved to Oltchim Ramnicu-Valcea in 2009. In 2010 she played in the Champions League final with Oltchim, and the semi-finals in 2012 and 2013.