Hosts Latvia start European Silver League with victory in Jelgava

The Latvian women’s national team began their European Silver League campaign with a 3-1 (25-11, 28-30, 25-17, 25-15) victory over the Faroe Islands in their first match in Jelgava. In their second match of the tournament, the Latvian team will face Israel on Sunday at 5 pm, while Israel and the Faroe Islands will meet on Saturday.

The visitors took an early lead thanks to an attack by Anja Danielsen and two blocks from Sharon Haynes – (3:0). Karmena Struka levelled the score at 3:3 with two blocks and a hit out of bounds by Hanna Olsen. The home team took the lead for the first time after an unreturnable serve by Paula Nečiporuka – 5:4. Latvia extended their lead to 11:5 with attacks by Marta Kamelija Levinska and Anija Jurdža, a block by Jurdža, and a serve from Struka, and maintained control until the end of the set, winning it 25-11 after an ace from Karmena Struka.

Struka was Latvia’s top scorer with seven points – four from blocks and two aces. Haynes led the visitors with five points.

In the second set, the Faroe Islands gained a 7:5 lead after three consecutive points, but strong serving by Lasma Ozola helped Latvia respond with four points in a row to go ahead 9:7. With the score at 15:10 in favour of the home team, Šarlote Šlitere made her debut for Latvia, replacing Jurdža. Shortly after, Levinska, who had already scored eight points in the set, was substituted by Katrīna Struka. After an attack from Katrīna Struka, Latvia extended their lead to 18:12. However, in the remainder of the set, both teams made several errors. The Faroe Islands closed the gap to 20:21 and eventually won the set 30-28 on their sixth set point.

In the third set, Karmena Struka and Levinska returned to the court for Latvia, and Šlitere continued to play. After an ace from Elvita Dolotova and an attack by Levinska, the home team led 3:0 and never allowed the visitors to get closer than one point. In the second half of the set, they increased their lead and won 25-17 after a serve out of bounds by Milja Silvansdottir.

Both teams made several changes before the fourth set, which was even until 9:9. Latvia then scored three consecutive points to go up 13:10 and didn’t allow the opponents to get any closer than 13:12. With a seven-point streak capped by a block from Katrīna Struka, they led 20:13 and eventually secured the set 25-15 with a Jurdža attack.

Levinska led the winners with 25 points and a 65% attack efficiency. Jurdža and Karmena Struka each added 10 points, with Struka contributing four blocks and three aces. Haynes was the top scorer for the Faroe Islands with 10 points.

The best players of the match were the setters: Dolotova for Latvia and Elisabet Vilhelmsen for the Faroe Islands.

“It was the first match of the national team season. We needed to regain our connection on the court and understand each other again. I think we executed many tasks well, though there are areas we need to improve before the next match. A win and three points in the standings – I view the match positively,” said Elvita Dolotova. “Of course, after a break, it was tough to find rhythm and reconnect with the girls, but it is great to play for the national team again and see everyone. We hope to improve with every match – individually and as a team.”

“Our strength was in defence and staying focused until the last point. We knew we had to win this match and stay focused on our game. The Faroe Islands surprised us with their persistence and started serving more aggressively from the second set, which challenged us,” Dolotova added. “I wouldn’t say the opponents were surprising, but they have potential – an Italian coach and very young players.”

“We played especially well in the middle of the match. The opponents were very strong and have a solid team,” said Elisabet Vilhelmsen. “Compared to last season, we have a new coach and are training more this season, which is helping our team cohesion.”

“One of the main tasks was to serve aggressively and, regardless of what happened on the court, to play our game. We aimed to be aggressive at the net when needed,” said Latvia’s assistant coach Arvils Keišs. “We didn’t play any friendlies, and this was our first official match. So there are many details we can review and improve on – one of them being serve reception. Still, we must play boldly and not fear mistakes.”

Latvia will face Israel on Sunday.

“Israel has a good team with several strong individual players. They definitely know how to play Volleyball. We are looking forward to Sunday’s match with interest,” Keišs added.

“I’m so proud of this match. We have invested a lot in these players, who work and train on the side – they are not professional athletes. Over the past month, they have trained a lot, and I think we played well. Considering our small country and limited player pool, I’m very proud because the players sacrifice a lot, taking time away from their families to be here,” said the Faroe Islands’ Italian head coach, Ciro Zoratti. “The set we won will be a lasting memory – last year, the team didn’t win a single set. It’s a step forward, but we are not satisfied yet. We want to achieve more.”

“Our first match was against a great team. I know Latvia’s coach, Daniele Capriotti, who has done an excellent job with the team. I’m proud we won a set against such a strong opponent,” Zoratti added. “I really like the Latvian team, especially the opposite hitter Marta Levinska. I follow the Latvian team because of the head coach, and this team has grown significantly over the last two, three years, now playing high-level Volleyball. Congratulations to Latvia not just for the win, but for how they achieved it.”