VHC Šviesa edge TENAX Dobele to secure Final 4 spot in dramatic quarter-final clash

March 28, 2026

VHC Šviesa have booked their place in the Baltic Handball League Final 4 after a hard-fought 36:32 victory over ZRHK TENAX Dobele, sealing qualification by a narrow +1 aggregate margin across two matches.

Following a 23:26 defeat in the first leg on March 8, Šviesa delivered when it mattered most, overturning the deficit in front of their home crowd and punching their ticket to the Final 4 in Põlva (April 11–12).

Strong start sets the tone

Šviesa came out with intent from the opening whistle, immediately taking control of the game. Early goals from Šarūnas Ugianskis and Matas Aukštikalnis helped the hosts build a 5:2 lead within the first seven minutes.

The home side continued to dominate both ends of the court, extending their advantage to 9:4 midway through the first half. A key moment came when TENAX missed a 7-meter opportunity at 5:2, allowing Šviesa to maintain momentum.

Despite a late push from TENAX, led by Aliaksandr Patsykailik, Šviesa held firm and went into halftime with a solid 16:12 lead—exactly the margin needed to level the aggregate score.

TENAX fight back, but Šviesa hold nerve

The second half turned into a tense battle, with TENAX pushing hard to reclaim control of the tie. Patsykailik continued to lead the charge, while Emīls Kurzemnieks added crucial goals to keep the visitors within reach.

TENAX reduced the gap to just three goals multiple times, including at 30:27 and 30:29, threatening Šviesa’s aggregate advantage.

However, Šviesa responded each time. Matas Aukštikalnis proved unstoppable, scoring key goals in decisive moments, while Vladyslav Korzhuk and Alan Bogdiun contributed crucial finishes to keep the hosts ahead.

Discipline issues hurt TENAX late in the game, with Antons Šuleiko receiving a red card in the 57th minute, effectively ending the visitors’ comeback hopes.

Top performers

Šviesa were powered by an outstanding attacking display:

• Matas Aukštikalnis – 9 goals (perfect 9/9 shooting)
• Šarūnas Ugianskis – 7 goals (5/5 from 7m)
• Vladyslav Korzhuk – 5 goals
• Alan Bogdiun – 4 goals

For TENAX, the offensive effort was led by:

• Aliaksandr Patsykailik – 12 goals (7/8 from 7m)
• Emīls Kurzemnieks – 8 goals
• Intars Jomants – 4 goals

Decisive moments

• Early 5:2 and 9:4 leads gave Šviesa control of the tie
• Missed TENAX penalty at 5:2 proved costly
• Halftime score (16:12) erased first-leg deficit
• Multiple second-half responses by Šviesa after TENAX closed the gap
• Red card to Antons Šuleiko in the 57th minute halted TENAX momentum

Final 4 awaits

With the 36:32 victory, VHC Šviesa advance to the Baltic Handball League Final 4 with a +1 aggregate win, completing a dramatic turnaround after losing the first leg.

Šviesa now join Põlva Serviti in the Final 4 tournament, which will take place in Põlva on April 11–12, where the Baltic champions will be decided.