Rostov-Don defeats Astrakhanocka in 2026 home opener

The women«s handball club Rostov-Don defeated Astrakhanocka 36:22 in a home match of the Russian championship.

The start of the match went to the visitors. By the fourth minute, Astrakhanocka led 2:0. After that, Rostov-Don caught up several times, but went into the break trailing by one goal — 12:13. In one of the episodes, goalkeeper Anastasia Ryabtseva was injured. She was replaced in goal by Anastasia Kazmenko, who ultimately became the best player of the match: she saved 12 out of 24 shots.

«We played the first half very poorly. In attack, we missed a lot of shots, it didn»t work out. Because of that, we got frustrated somewhere, but held on in defense. We went into the break down by one, and not as we usually can be: down by five, or four, or more. So there was a plus here, but in attack it was awful,« said Rostov-Don head coach Irina Dibirova after the match.

In the second half, Rostov-Don broke ahead from the first minutes and increased their advantage. All questions about the match winner were settled long before the final buzzer. The final score was 36:22. After the match, fans showered the court with plush toys, staging a «teddy bear shower».

«Coaches don»t really like distracting moments. But this is such an action where we help children. This is all very important and necessary. We didn«t want to let the fans down. The hall was full, everything went very well and beautifully. And I think that all children like it, and the spectators, and at the same time it was a very useful match,» stated Irina Dibirova.

The Rostov women have secured their 18th consecutive victory in the Russian championship and occupy first place in the standings.