After three consecutive wins, the EVZ Women’s Team suffered a setback in Fribourg on Sunday. In their 1–6 defeat against the Gottéron Ladies, the team failed to live up to expectations. However, the scoreline was more lopsided than the course of the match would suggest. There are also still a number of players on the injury list. Nevertheless, Head Coach Daniela Diaz’s side are determined to put on a different performance in tomorrow’s high-profile clash and get back to winning ways.

One of the few positives from Saturday was undoubtedly Alina Marti’s comeback. After more than a month out with injury, the national team forward was back on the ice for the first time. “Apart from the result, I can be satisfied with my comeback. It felt good to be back on the ice with the team.” However, ahead of the clash against ZSC – with whom Marti won the Swiss championship three times between 2022 and 2024 – she is also calling for a response:“We certainly need to be a bit hungrier. I think our attitude is right; we just need to keep working hard, and then things will start going our way again.” The match in Zurich is the last away game for the time being; next week will see the long-awaited return to the OYM Hall.

The ZSC Lions, too, have already experienced their share of ups and downs in this early stage of the season. Their 0–2 opening-day defeat to Davos was followed by a resounding 7–0 victory in Neuchâtel. The Zurich side then suffered a narrow 2–3 defeat to Fribourg, before beating Davos in a penalty shoot-out and Lausanne 4–0. Following another defeat in Bern, the Lionesses once again showcased their attacking prowess last Sunday with an 8–0 victory over Neuchâtel.

Tomorrow’s clash at the Swiss Life Arena is a reunion with former team-mates not only for Marti but also for Mara Frey. Whilst Frey joined EVZ this summer, Marti was already part of the championship-winning team in Zug last season. Nevertheless, the 22-year-old forward remains close friends with numerous players from Zurich: “Playing against ZSC is still very special. I’m still very close friends with loads of the players,” says Marti. The anticipation of seeing them again is correspondingly high. She adds that the nerves are always a bit more pronounced in these matches.

On the ice, however, those friendships will take a back seat for 60 minutes.