Agnes Lilja Styrmisdóttir was absolutely amazing in the ÍBV team tonight as they earned a place in the finals of the Women’s Handball Championship.
Odd game in the duel between ÍBV and Hauka was whistled at 18:00 tonight, but after 80 minutes of excellent handball, it was Eyjakonur who emerged as the winners, 36:31.
Agnes Lilja is only 17 years old, but she celebrates her 18th birthday in a week. She was a key player on both ends of the court tonight as she scored six goals, made three steals and caused the Hawks forwards time and time again in real trouble at key moments of the game.
“It was a lot of fun, there was a very good atmosphere in the house and it was really fun to play,” said Agnes after the match, but she couldn’t hide her joy after securing a place in the final match.
The games with the Hawks have been long and this is the second of the last three games that goes all the way to a second overtime.
“It was completely unnecessary to end it in overtime, it was really nice to finish it in overtime, even though we are all very tired now after it. It is always nice to go to overtime.”
Agnes has been given a bigger and bigger role in the team as the season progresses. She missed a few games at the beginning of the year when she broke her elbow, but has now played a large part of the games against the Hawks.
“I think it’s a lot of fun and it’s much better to be in these kinds of games inside the field than on the bench, it’s more stressful to be on the bench.”
Agnes started the game with power in the attack and immediately made a statement, she scored three goals in the first half and was also creating chances for her teammates. She played a huge role in ÍBV’s defense when they had to win the ball from the Hawks while the Hawks were leading the game. She played in front of the defense and was breaking up the Hawks’ attacks.
“It’s a lot of fun to play there, I get to let loose there,” said Agnes, but she says she doesn’t notice on the court that she’s younger than the other players.
“I haven’t thought about it that way, I just feel like I’m just as old as them. They give me full confidence.”
Agnes has played several important games in the junior categories in finals and finals. Does she think those games help her handle games like this odd game today?
“It’s definitely done that, it’s also fun to play when there’s a lot behind and you get more experienced with each game. The more experienced players help us younger ones a lot, it’s crazy to be able to play with them,” said Agnes about Birna Berg Haraldsdóttir and Sandra Erlingsdóttir as well as other more experienced players in ÍBV.
The atmosphere in the sports center was great today, an amazing turnout and real panic in the final part especially, but also a good atmosphere most of the game.
“It was crazy, the White Knights finally showed up, it was a lot of fun and a really good atmosphere in the house.”
ÍBV has now played two more games than Valskonur, but the teams meet in the final match. Does ÍBV stand a chance there?
“Yes, absolutely. We’ve shown now that we can finish games and we have every chance.”
