Lille wins an 11th consecutive title!
And in the end, Lille wins! The Final Four weekend of the French Women's Elite Championship concluded with another victory for Lille, which was crowned champion of France 2024-2025. On one side, a show of strength by the clear favorite Lille, on the other, a more balanced duel between Nice and Bordeaux, which saw the Nic̀§oises emerge victorious in a thrilling contest, securing a respectable third place.
Lille dominates Nice comfortably, Nancy soars after a balanced first half
Playing at home, the players of Lille UC controlled their semi-final from start to finish against Nice. Despite Nice showing offensive intentions from the start, leading 2-1 after six minutes, the northern machinery kicked into gear, led by Anna Mucsy (5 goals), Valentine Heurtaux (4 goals), and a perfectly oiled team.
Every strong point by Nice was met with a concrete and relentless wave from Lille. The score kept widening as the game progressed, ending with a resounding 18-10 victory for Lille, sealing their place in the final as the undefeated team this season.
The other semi-final between Nancy and Bordeaux was more contested... at least during the first two quarters. Nancy initially took the lead thanks to a superb Kinga Mihaly (6 goals), but Bordeaux caught up in the middle of the second period (4-4).
The turning point came just before halftime, with a series of Nancy goals that extended their lead. Bordeaux couldn't recover. In the second half, Nancy dominated, capitalizing on power plays and converted penalties, ultimately winning comfortably 20-12. The Bordeaux team fought valiantly but was overwhelmed by the variety and effectiveness of the opponent's attacks.
Lille crowned with authority, Nice clinches bronze in a penalty shootout
Lille confirms its national dominance by claiming another title after a one-sided final, while Nice salvages their campaign by winning the match for 3rd place.
What was expected to be a close final quickly turned into a display of dominance. Lille suffocated Nancy from the very first quarter (7-3) and continued to dominate each period.
Impressively realistic and intense, the Lille players shone in all areas. Niki Tsiougri (4 goals), Cecilia Nardini (4), as well as Carmen Baringo Romero (2 goals), took turns finding the net, taking advantage of numerous opponent exclusions.
Nancy, solid in the semifinals, was outclassed in every aspect of the game and couldn't establish their rhythm. Final score: 27-8. Lille finished their weekend in style, undefeated throughout the season, earning a well-deserved 11th consecutive title, a historic achievement!
The match for 3rd place was spectacular and undecided. Bordeaux quickly took a 5-0 lead, delivering a nightmare start for Nice. However, the Nice team found the resources to gradually come back (7-8, then 12-12 at the end of regulation time), led by Jacqueline Kohli (4 goals) and Sydney Krushen.
In the penalty shootout, the experience of Nice made the difference. Despite Bordeaux's resistance, Nice eventually won 16-15 after a suspenseful shootout.
Results
Semi-finals
Lille UC - O. Nice Natation: 18 - 10 (6-4, 4-2, 3-3, 5-1)
Lille: Heurtaux 4, Andres 1, Tsiougri 2, Kordonskaia 1, Nardini 2, Mucsy 5, Riley 1
Nice: Kohli 3, Barbieux 2, Kristen 1, Accordino 1, Ulmer 3
USB Bordeaux - Grand Nancy AC: 12 - 20 (2-3, 3-5, 2-7, 5-5)
Bordeaux: Duflos 1, Jean Michel 3, Ibarrola 2, Horcholle 5, Danet 1
Nancy: Raspo 4, Benlekbir 4, Mihaly 6, De Miranda Da Silva 1, Fanara 2, Pacheco Herce 3
Final
Lille UC - Grand Nancy: 27 - 08 (7-3, 5-1, 7-3, 8-1)
Lille: Heurtaux 3, Andres 2, Tsiougri 4, Kordonskaia 2, Nardini 4, Mucsy 3, Baringo Romero 2, Riley 2
Nancy: Raspo 2, Benlekbir 2, Mihaly 4
3rd place
O. Nice Natation - USB Bordeaux: 16 - 15 (2-5, 5-3, 3-3, 2-1, 4-3 after PSO)
Nice: Karatekin 1, Kohli 5, Barbieux 3, Krushen 3, Accordino 2, Ulmer 2
Bordeaux: Duflos 1, Leminhi 1, Chadly 1, Ibarrola 5, Horcholle 3, Danet 2, Peste 1, Backe 1
Photo Credit - WP Inside
