Põlva Serviti Dominate Newcomers Pasvalio Pieno žvaigždės
September 20, 2025
altic Handball League champions Põlva Serviti showed their class and experience with a commanding 36:21 victory over league newcomers Pasvalio Pieno žvaigždės. The Estonian side led comfortably from the first whistle, going into halftime with an 11-goal advantage (19:8) and never looking back.
From the early stages, Põlva’s offensive efficiency and defensive solidity were on full display. Rising star Hendrik Varul spearheaded the attack, netting an impressive 8 goals from 9 attempts, while Mathias Rebane added 6 goals, including a perfect conversion from the 7-meter line. Supporting contributions from Ülljo Pihus (5 goals) and Karlis Kalk (3 goals, 100% shooting) gave Serviti multiple scoring outlets.
For the hosts, Pasvalio Pieno žvaigždės, it was a tough introduction to top-tier competition. Despite the loss, there were bright performances. Ighor Odinokov carried much of the offensive burden, attempting 15 shots and scoring 6 times, while Modestas Štarolis, Titas Janušonis, and Oleksandr Kasai each added 3 goals. Ukrainian goalkeeper Benas Vaičekonis worked hard under relentless pressure but was unable to stem Serviti’s scoring waves.
Key Match Moments
- In the opening minutes, Pasvalys managed to stay level at 2:2 thanks to quick strikes from Maksim Vakula, but Põlva quickly pulled away with a 4-goal run led by Rebane and Pihus.
- By the 15th minute, Varul’s precise finishing had extended the lead to 12:5, forcing Pasvalys into a timeout.
- Serviti’s strong first half ended with a decisive 19:8 advantage after Pihus scored his third of the game.
- In the second half, Varul and Kalk continued to punish Pasvalys on fast breaks, with Serviti maintaining a double-digit margin throughout.
- Pasvalys fought bravely in the closing minutes, with goals from Štarolis, Odinokov, and Litynskyi reducing the deficit, but Serviti sealed the win with Karlis Kalk’s final strike at 21:36.
Top Performers
- Põlva Serviti: Hendrik Varul (8 goals), Mathias Rebane (6 goals), Ülljo Pihus (5 goals)
- Pasvalio Pieno žvaigždės: Ighor Odinokov (6 goals), Modestas Štarolis (3 goals), Titas Janušonis (3 goals), Oleksandr Kasai (3 goals)
Post-Match Outlook
For Pasvalio Pieno žvaigždės, the result highlights the challenge of competing at Baltic League level, but also showed glimpses of potential. For the reigning champions Põlva Serviti, the convincing victory reinforces their ambition to defend the title, once again proving their depth and clinical play.
