Mistra Overpower Viljandi HC in Baltic Handball League Clash

October 4, 2025

Mistra continued their strong run in the Baltic Handball League with a convincing 30–25 away win over Viljandi HC on Saturday afternoon. Despite a competitive first half that ended 13–11 in Mistra’s favor, the visitors pulled away in the closing stages to seal a second consecutive victory over the same opponent.

Tight First Half, but Mistra Take Control

The match started at a high tempo with Viljandi HC’s Sten Maasalu opening the scoring in the first minute. However, Mistra quickly found their rhythm through Karl Roosna and Serhii Orlovskyi, building a 4–1 lead within seven minutes. Despite a timeout from Viljandi, the visitors’ disciplined defense and clinical finishing maintained control.

Viljandi fought back late in the first half, with Ott Varik and Urmas Rõuk cutting the deficit to two goals (11–13) by the halftime whistle, giving the home fans hope for a turnaround.

Second-Half Surge from Mistra

The second period saw Mistra’s attacking depth on full display. Arno Vare and Aron Leppik led a dominant spell, extending the lead to 19–16 midway through the half. Viljandi HC struggled to convert their seven-meter throws — missing multiple penalties that could have narrowed the gap.

A late rally from Hendrik Koks, who found the net repeatedly in the final minutes, kept Viljandi in contention, but Mistra’s composure and bench strength proved decisive. Serhii Orlovskyi’s powerful strikes and Vare’s accuracy from the penalty line ensured the visitors maintained a comfortable margin until the final whistle.

Top Performers

Viljandi HC

• Hendrik Koks (#9): 7 goals from 15 attempts (1/3 from 7m)
• Ott Varik (#90): 7 goals, including 3/5 from the penalty line
• Urmas Rõuk (#2): 4 goals, consistent from open play

Mistra

• Arno Vare (#11): 6 goals (2/2 from 7m), instrumental in attack
• Serhii Orlovskyi (#22): 6 goals, driving force in midfield
• Aron Leppik (#19): 5 goals, vital in second-half surge
• Karl Roosna (#24): 5 goals, strong early impact

Key Match Moments

• 07:05 — Mistra lead 4–1; early timeout by Viljandi HC.
• 12:09 — Viljandi miss a penalty; Mistra extend to 7–2 moments later.
• 17:28 — Mikk Varik and Andrii Basarab reduce the gap to two (8–10).
• 29:38 — Ott Varik converts a 7m throw to make it 11–13 before halftime.
• 41:44 — Viljandi’s Kristo Voika receives a two-minute suspension; Mistra capitalize to pull ahead 19–16.
• 50:21 — Ott Varik narrows it to 24–20 from the penalty line.
• 59:02 — Arno Vare scores Mistra’s 30th, sealing the win.