CASCADA-HC Garliava advance to final with convincing victory over HC Kova

May 2, 2026

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CASCADA – HC Garliava SM secured their place in the Women’s Baltic Sea Handball League final after defeating Panevėžio HC “Kova” 31:23 in an intense semifinal clash on Saturday afternoon.

After a tightly contested opening half that ended with CASCADA leading by just one goal, 14:13, the Garliava side delivered a dominant second-half performance, outscoring Panevėžio HC “Kova” 17:10 after the break to pull away and seal an eight-goal victory.

Panevėžio HC “Kova” started strongly and took the first lead of the match through Kotryna Murmokaitė in the opening minute. The first half featured multiple lead changes and momentum swings, with Laura Salamanavičė leading the offensive effort for Panevėžys. Midway through the half, “Kova” built a 12:9 advantage after goals from Simona Kolosovė and a successful seven-meter throw by Salamanavičė.

CASCADA responded with composure and defensive intensity late in the half. Consecutive goals from Ugnė Mikutaitytė and Martyna Ustilaitė fueled a decisive 5:1 run to close the period, allowing Garliava to turn a three-goal deficit into a 14:13 halftime lead.

The second half proved decisive as CASCADA quickly took control. Goals from Ugnė Mikutaitytė, Goda Bernackaitė, and Mantė Voskresenskaja extended the lead to 23:18 by the 43rd minute. Despite efforts from Salamanavičė and Kolosovė to keep Panevėžys within reach, Garliava maintained the tempo and defensive pressure.

A critical stretch between the 49th and 57th minutes effectively decided the semifinal. CASCADA produced a commanding 5:1 scoring run, highlighted by three more goals from Martyna Ustilaitė, to build a 30:21 advantage and put the match beyond doubt.

Martyna Ustilaitė was the standout performer for CASCADA – HC Garliava SM, scoring 11 goals from 15 shots in a clinical attacking display. Mantė Voskresenskaja added seven goals, while Ugnė Mikutaitytė also contributed seven goals in an excellent all-around performance.

For Panevėžio HC “Kova,” Laura Salamanavičė led all scorers for her team with eight goals, including two successful seven-meter throws. Simona Kolosovė added six goals, while Kotryna Murmokaitė contributed three.

Match Summary

Semi-final result
CASCADA – HC Garliava SM vs HC Kova 31:23 (14:13)

Top Scorers

CASCADA – HC Garliava SM:

  • Martyna Ustilaitė – 11 goals
  • Mantė Voskresenskaja – 7 goals
  • Ugnė Mikutaitytė – 7 goals

Panevėžio HC “Kova”:

  • Laura Salamanavičė – 8 goals
  • Simona Kolosovė – 6 goals
  • Kotryna Murmokaitė – 3 goals

Photo: Evaldas Šemiotas/Lithuanian Handball Federation