Kaunas Žalgiris power past GrIFK to reach Women’s BSHL final

May 2, 2026

GrIFK Climbs to Second Place in Rankings Ahead of Final Tournament

Kaunas Žalgiris secured their place in the final with a 37:31 semifinal victory over GrIFK on Saturday in Garliavos sporto centras, Lithuania.

The Lithuanian side made a strong start and quickly took control of the game, opening a 7:2 lead in the first eight minutes behind early goals from Karolina Sparnauskaitė and Agnė Gudlinkytė. GrIFK struggled to convert their chances early on, while Kaunas punished mistakes in transition and attacked efficiently from distance.

GrIFK gradually settled into the match and reduced the deficit through Alva Eskelin, Amanda Olsson and Louise Heinonen. Eskelin was especially effective throughout the game, finishing as GrIFK’s top scorer with eight goals.

Despite the Finnish side’s response, Kaunas Žalgiris maintained the momentum. Sparnauskaitė led the attack with 11 goals, while Gudlinkytė added seven goals from seven shots. Amelija Selivončikaitė and Martyna Vaitkutė both scored five times as Kaunas carried a 21:15 lead into halftime.

GrIFK produced their best period early in the second half, cutting the gap to 26:22 after a strong run led by Heinonen and Eskelin. However, Kaunas answered at key moments with consecutive goals from Gudlinkytė and Sparnauskaitė to restore control and extend the lead again.

Although GrIFK continued to fight until the final whistle, Kaunas Žalgiris stayed composed in the closing stages to complete the 37:31 victory and book their place in Sunday’s final against Cascada HC Garliava SM.

Match Summary

Semi-final result
GrIFK vs Kaunas Žalgiris 31:37 (15:21)

Top Performers

Kaunas Žalgiris

  • Karolina Sparnauskaitė – 11 goals
  • Agnė Gudlinkytė – 7 goals
  • Amelija Selivončikaitė – 5 goals
  • Martyna Vaitkutė – 5 goals

GrIFK

  • Alva Eskelin – 8 goals
  • Louise Heinonen – 5 goals
  • Greta Wirén – 3 goals
  • Mathilda Sandblom – 3 goals

Photo: Evaldas Šemiotas/Lithuanian Handball Federation