Põlva Serviti overpower Granitas-Karys 35:28

November 30, 2025

Põlva Serviti delivered a commanding performance on Sunday afternoon, defeating Granitas-Karys 35:28 after establishing early control and maintaining consistent attacking pressure throughout the match. The visitors entered halftime with a 19:13 lead and successfully protected their advantage in the second half, securing an important away victory in the Baltic Handball League.

Match Overview

From the opening minutes, Serviti asserted themselves with a quick 2:0 start following goals from Kermo Saksing and Sander Sarapuu. Although Granitas-Karys managed to pull level at 7:7 after a strong sequence led by Marius Kairys and Benediktas Labutis, the visitors responded with a decisive surge.

A series of suspensions for both sides around the 15-minute mark disrupted the rhythm, but Serviti capitalized far more effectively. Led by the sharpshooting Saksing and the efficient finishing of Ülljo Pihus, the Estonian champions closed the half with a six-goal cushion (19:13).

Granitas-Karys rally halted

Granitas-Karys’ strongest phase came between the 10th and 14th minutes, with Kairys scoring twice in quick succession to briefly push the home side ahead 8:7. However, missed opportunities—especially several shots off target by Simas Butkus—prevented the hosts from building momentum.

Serviti’s decisive 10-3 run

Between minutes 15 and 25, Serviti produced the stretch that ultimately defined the match. They punished every Granitas-Karys turnover and suspension, with goals coming from Saksing, Rebane, Pihus and Kholodiuk. By the 21st minute, the visitors led 14:9 and never relinquished control.

Second-half management and depth

Serviti rotated efficiently and continued to score consistently. Stanislav Kholodiuk and Hendrik Varul were particularly impactful after the break, combining for several crucial goals that maintained a comfortable advantage despite Granitas-Karys’ late efforts.

A late disqualification to Nedas Kavolius added to the home team’s frustrations, though Gytis Zadarnaukas’ final 7-meter conversion closed the match at 28:35.

Top Performers

Põlva Serviti

• Kermo Saksing – 7 goals
  A dominant attacking force, especially in transition.
• Stanislav Kholodiuk – 6 goals
  Outstanding efficiency from the backcourt.
• Ülljo Pihus – 5 goals
  Key contributor during Serviti’s first-half scoring burst.
• Sander Sarapuu – 4 goals
  Provided balance and reliable finishing.

Granitas-Karys

• Benediktas Labutis – 5 goals
  Most consistent scorer for the home team.
• Gytis Zadarnauskas – 5 goals (incl. 1 from 7 m)
  Strong in the closing stages.
• Marius Kairys – 4 goals
  Instrumental during Granitas-Karys’ early comeback attempt.
• Gustas Rinkevičius & Vilius Dirgėla – 3 goals each
  Effective in breakthrough situations.