VHC Šviesa overpower Viljandi HC with commanding 35:22 victory

September 20, 2025

VHC Šviesa showcased their dominance in the Baltic Handball League, storming to a decisive 35:22 victory over Viljandi HC in front of their home crowd. After taking a solid 21:15 lead at halftime, the Lithuanian side tightened their defense and extended the margin with a relentless second-half performance.

Strong start sets the tone

The home team opened the match with intensity, racing to a 4:0 lead within the first five minutes through strikes from Domantas Ivanauskas and Matas Aukstikalnis. Viljandi struggled to break through the compact Šviesa defense and found themselves trailing early, despite efforts from Jaan-Paul Varik and Sten Maasalu to cut the deficit.

By the 20-minute mark, Mykolas Lapiniauskas converted a seven-meter throw to restore a five-goal cushion (15:10), underlining Šviesa’s efficiency in attack.

Second-half dominance

While Viljandi showed moments of resistance, including goals from Hendrik Koks (5 goals) and Mikk Varik (3 goals), they could not keep pace with Šviesa’s tempo. In the second half, Alan Bogdiun and Rapolas Valadka widened the gap, before Šviesa closed the game with a flurry of goals from Marius Bulkevičius to seal the 13-goal win.

Top performers

• Mykolas Lapiniauskas (#77, VHC Šviesa) – perfect game with 7 goals from 7 shots, including 2/2 from the seven-meter line.
• Domantas Ivanauskas (#7, VHC Šviesa) – clinical finishing with 4 goals from 4 attempts.
• Matas Aukstikalnis (#9, VHC Šviesa) – contributed 5 goals from 9 shots, particularly dangerous in the first half.
• Hendrik Koks (#9, Viljandi HC) – led his side with 5 goals, including one from the penalty line.

Defensively, Šviesa kept Viljandi’s attack under pressure, forcing multiple missed shots and capitalizing on turnovers. Viljandi’s suspensions, including three two-minute penalties, further hampered their rhythm.

Key moments

• Early 4:0 run by Šviesa in the opening minutes put Viljandi on the back foot.
• Lapiniauskas’ scoring streak midway through the first half (four consecutive goals) broke the visitors’ momentum.
• A 26:17 advantage at the 38th minute after goals from Šarūnas Ugianskis and Lapiniauskas effectively decided the contest.

Final score

VHC Šviesa 35 : 22 Viljandi HC
(Halftime: 21 : 15)