SK/MSĢ End Two-Season Drought With First Victory in Opening Game

September 20, 2025

After two long seasons without a single win, Latvian side ASK/MSĢ finally broke their drought, claiming an emphatic 28:24 victory over Granitas-Karys in the opening game of the new Baltic Handball League season.

The historic result marks ASK/MSĢ’s first triumph in years, achieved at the very first attempt of the 2025/26 campaign.

The match began with Granitas-Karys taking the early lead through Simas Butkus, but ASK/MSĢ quickly regrouped. Inspired by Valdis Kalniņš, who delivered a stellar performance with 10 goals, the visitors surged ahead and went into halftime with a commanding 18:14 lead.

Despite Granitas-Karys’ spirited fightback in the second half, ASK/MSĢ maintained composure and control, with key goals from Krists Vidzis and Justs Vidzis ensuring their long-awaited victory was never truly in danger.

Key Moments

• Breaking the streak: ASK/MSĢ secured their first win after two full seasons without a single victory.
• Kalniņš unstoppable: With 10 goals from 16 attempts, he was the difference-maker.
• Granitas-Karys indiscipline: Frequent two-minute suspensions disrupted their rhythm and allowed ASK/MSĢ to stay ahead.
• Historic start: ASK/MSĢ not only broke their losing run but did so in the very first match of the new season.

Top Performers

• ASK/MSĢ:
  • Valdis Kalniņš – 10 goals, commanding attacking presence.
  • Krists Vidzis – 4 goals including a penalty, steady contributor.
  • Justs Vidzis – 4 goals, crucial in maintaining the lead.
• Granitas-Karys:
  • Simas Butkus – 8 goals, including 2 from the 7-meter line.
  • Karolis Rameikis – 7 goals, led the team’s offensive effort.
  • Ernestas Guogis – 4 goals, strong in the first-half rally.

Final Result

Granitas-Karys 24 – 28 ASK/MSĢ
(Halftime: 14 – 18)