VHC Šviesa Claims Third Consecutive Victory This Season

October 4, 2025

GrIFK Climbs to Second Place in Rankings Ahead of Final Tournament

In front of their home fans ZRHK TENAX Dobele fought valiantly but fell short against Lithuanian side VHC Šviesa, losing 28–32 in an intense Baltic Handball League encounter. Despite a strong first-half performance, Dobele could not withstand Šviesa’s precision from the 7-meter line and decisive second-half surge.

Match Overview

The match began at a high tempo, with both teams trading goals through the opening minutes. Dobele managed to edge ahead early, leading 10–7 midway through the first half after a powerful scoring streak by Kristers Suharevs and Raivis Gorbunovs. However, Šviesa’s resilience began to show as Mykolas Lapiniauskas converted crucial penalty throws to close the gap.

By halftime, the visitors had seized a 15–13 advantage — a lead they would never relinquish.

In the second half, Lapiniauskas continued his outstanding form, dominating from the 7-meter line with perfect accuracy (6/6). Supported by Matas Aukstikalnis (7 goals) and Vladyslav Korzhuk before his disqualification, Šviesa extended their lead to 23–16 midway through the period.

Dobele mounted a spirited comeback led by Raivis Gorbunovs, who scored a game-high 8 goals, cutting the deficit to just one goal (24–25) late in the second half. Yet, Šviesa’s experience prevailed — Ernestas Stvolas and Lapiniauskas scored in quick succession to restore control and seal a 32–28 victory.

Key Moments

  • Early Dominance by TENAX (10–7) – Dobele’s fast start and effective wing play gave them the initial momentum.
  • Šviesa’s Penalty Precision – Mykolas Lapiniauskas’ flawless 7-meter record (6/6) shifted the momentum.
  • Red Card Drama – Šviesa’s Vladyslav Korzhuk received a red card in the 45th minute, but his team held firm.
  • Gorbunovs’ Heroics – With 8 goals, he was instrumental in Dobele’s comeback effort.
  • Closing Run – Šviesa scored three unanswered goals in the final minutes to secure the win.

Top Performers

VHC Šviesa

  • Mykolas Lapiniauskas – 9 goals (6 from 7m), 100% penalty efficiency
  • Matas Aukstikalnis – 7 goals, strong backcourt presence
  • Ernestas Stvolas – 3 goals, vital late contributions

ZRHK TENAX Dobele

  • Raivis Gorbunovs – 8 goals, led all scorers
  • Kristers Suharevs – 5 goals, key in the first half
  • Ņikita Pančenko – 4 goals (3 from 7m), reliable under pressure