VHC Šviesa takes revenge with convincing home win against ASK/MSĢ

January 18, 2026

VHC Šviesa secured an important Baltic Handball League victory on Sunday afternoon, defeating ASK/MSĢ 33:27 after a strong second-half performance. The home side led 15:13 at halftime and gradually pulled away to seal the win, avenging their narrow 27:29 defeat suffered away in Riga earlier this season.

Match summary

The match began with ASK/MSĢ striking first, as Valdis Kalniņš opened the scoring inside the first minute. The visitors held an early 0:2 advantage, but VHC Šviesa responded calmly, using fast ball movement and effective wing play to turn the tide. A successful seven-meter throw by Mykolas Lapiniauskas and goals from Alan Bogdiun and Rapolas Valadka helped Šviesa take their first lead at 3:2.

The first half was tightly contested, with both teams trading goals and ASK/MSĢ repeatedly equalizing through Kalniņš and Kristiāns Ingus Jonuška. A key moment came midway through the half when Šviesa went on a 4:0 run, stretching the score to 9:6. Despite ASK/MSĢ fighting back, Šviesa entered the break with a 15:13 advantage.

Second-half control

After halftime, VHC Šviesa quickly asserted control. Early goals from Lapiniauskas and Valadka extended the lead to 17:13, forcing ASK/MSĢ into chasing mode. The home side’s defense tightened, while Ernestas Stvolas and Šarūnas Ugianskis proved clinical in attack, helping Šviesa build a commanding five-goal margin at 20:15.

ASK/MSĢ made several attempts to close the gap, with Kalniņš continuing to lead the scoring, but every comeback effort was answered. Vladyslav Korzhuk and Stvolas scored crucial goals in the final quarter, pushing the lead to six and then seven goals. Despite late suspensions and a red card for Matas Aukstikalnis, Šviesa remained composed and closed out the match at 33:27.

Top performers

• VHC Šviesa
  • Ernestas Stvolas: 5 goals from 6 shots, a key presence in the second half
  • Mykolas Lapiniauskas: 4 goals, including 3 successful seven-meter throws
  • Alan Bogdiun: 3 goals and strong early momentum
  • Matas Aukstikalnis: 4 goals, despite disciplinary issues late in the match
• ASK/MSĢ
  • Valdis Kalniņš: Match-high 11 goals from 17 shots
  • Kristiāns Ingus Jonuška: 6 goals, including 3 from seven meters
  • Krists Vidzis: 4 goals and consistent offensive support