VHC Šviesa overpower Põlva Serviti with strong second-half surge

September 21, 2025

VHC Šviesa delivered an emphatic second-half performance to defeat last year’s champions Põlva Serviti 26:20 in Sunday’s Baltic Handball League clash. After an evenly matched first half that ended 11:11, Šviesa tightened their defense and found attacking rhythm to secure a convincing victory in front of their home fans.

First Half – Balanced and intense

The game began with both sides struggling to convert their early chances. Põlva Serviti broke the deadlock in the 6th minute through Jurgen Rooba’s penalty, but VHC Šviesa quickly responded via Ernestas Stvolas. The opening 30 minutes remained tightly contested, with Serviti briefly pulling ahead 10:8 after goals from Rooba and Mathias Rebane. However, Šviesa mounted a late rally, capped by strikes from Matas Aukstikalnis and Šarūnas Ugianskis to level the score 11:11 at halftime.

Second Half – Šviesa take control

The second half opened with Serviti regaining the lead, but the tide quickly turned. Inspired by goalkeeper resilience and fast transitions, Šviesa went on a 6:1 run between the 47th and 55th minutes. Key goals came from Mykolas Lapiniauskas, who converted four penalties and scored six times overall, and Stvolas, who netted crucial strikes at decisive moments. By the 55th minute, Šviesa had built a commanding 24:19 advantage that sealed the match.

Top Performers

• Mykolas Lapiniauskas (VHC Šviesa): 6 goals (including 3/3 from seven meters) – flawless from the penalty line and decisive under pressure.
• Šarūnas Ugianskis (VHC Šviesa): 5 goals – led the offensive surge in key moments.
• Ernestas Stvolas (VHC Šviesa): 5 goals – consistent scoring threat throughout the match.
• Jurgen Rooba (Põlva Serviti): 6 goals (including 3 penalties) – Serviti’s most reliable scorer.
• Mathias Rebane (Põlva Serviti): 4 goals – provided offensive sparks before fouling out late.

Key Moments

• 20th minute: Stanislav Kholodiuk put Serviti ahead 8:7, but Šviesa responded with a timeout that stabilized their play.
• 29th–30th minutes: Quick-fire goals from Ugianskis and Aukstikalnis brought Šviesa level before the break.
• 47th–53rd minutes: Šviesa’s game-winning run – goals from Lapiniauskas, Stvolas, and another penalty conversion swung momentum decisively.
• Final minutes: Ugianskis added his fifth goal to close the game 26:20.