When the reigning SHE champion Skuru visited Sävehof in the season premiere in mid-September, Nackalaget won by barely 24-22.
As expected, it was a new even event when the two top teams in SHE met in the first of two semi-final meetings in the Swedish Cup.
But when the first half was over, visiting Skuru led 18-14.
Jamina Roberts was largely invisible during the first half, but when others started, the national team star showed the way - and Sävehof picked up the deficit to 21-21.
But Skuru soon pulled away again, much thanks to left winger Elin Hansson who scored two quick goals and to 24-21.
Hansson, who was selected in Tomas Axnér's World Cup squad earlier today, continued to produce going forward.
She was actually the only one of the Skuru players who managed to score for a long period in the second half.
When the shots from outside did not go in, Sävehof was able to equalize again, to 26-26.
With one minute left, the score was 30-30 - then Sävehof went on a heavy expulsion.
Skuru scored the next goal - but Sävehof equalized with 18 seconds left and the audience in Partille Arena stood up to support the home team.
Then Skuru's giant Elin Hansson got the last chance to decide - but missed the position from the left wing and the match ended 31-31.
The return in Nacka will be played on 22 December.
Tonight's second semifinal between Skara and Kristianstad ended 32-26.
The finals of the Swedish Cup are broadcast on SVT.