In their opening match of the #EuroVolleyU22W qualifier held at the Daugavpils Olympic Centre on Friday, host nation Latvia were narrowly defeated by Denmark, losing 3-2 (25-22, 25-22, 21-25, 16-25, 15-8).
The first set was tightly contested, with neither side establishing a lead of more than two points until the closing stages. Denmark ultimately secured the set 25-22 after successful attacks by Nikita Maria Egemark Clausen.
Denmark started the second set strongly, taking a 5:2 lead, but Latvia quickly responded, tying the score at 5:5. After 12:12, the Danish team pulled ahead, capitalizing on Latvia’s reception errors and an attack into the net by Anete Čelnova, to win the set 25-22.
Latvia found their rhythm in the third set. Although Denmark initially led, a 4:0 run by Latvia, including an unreturnable serve from Rūta Putene, saw them take a 16:14 lead. Denmark couldn`t recover, and Latvia won the set 25-21 following a decisive attack by Marta Gintere.
The home team carried their momentum into the fourth set, starting with two aces from Anna Cepurīte for a 3:0 lead. Latvia extended their advantage and eventually won the set 25-16, thanks in part to another Gintere spike, pushing the match to a tiebreak.
In the decisive fifth set, Denmark took an early 2-point lead and maintained control throughout, securing the set 15-8 with a final attack by Mille Bassøe to claim the overall victory.
For Latvia, Karmena Struka was the top scorer with 13 points, including two aces and two blocks. Rūta Putene contributed 11 points, while Katrīna Struka, Anna Cepurīte (including four aces), and Marta Gintere each added nine points.
Denmark`s scoring was led by Veronika Kjaer Sørensen and Mille Bassøe, both with 15 points. Nikita Clausen tallied 14 points, including five blocks, and Marie Sonne Kristensen scored 12 points, with four blocks.
I knew Kristīne Leskinoviča from the Latvian team – we had played together at club level. Latvia has a good, physically strong team. It was a great match from both sides, and I’m really happy we managed to win the final set. We kept our energy until the end and played our game. I can’t even say what exactly made us better. We’re friends as a team, even off the court. We talk to each other and know what it takes to get the best out of our game. We have to keep doing that in tomorrow’s match.
Nikita Maria Egemark Clausen, Danish player
The Danish team started the match more aggressively and confidently, while our girls were more cautious and maybe a bit too nervous. I’m proud of the team for continuing to fight and tying it at 2-2. Still, in the fifth set, Denmark proved they came here to fight for a place in the final tournament. Today, the team that was more aggressive and confident won. We definitely can play better, and we had limited information about the opponents beforehand. Denmark, whose game was shaped by two key players, surprised us. Sunday’s match against Ukraine will be decisive. It’s hard to say whether it’s easier to coach – sometimes I wished I could be on the court myself – but it’s an interesting process. I’m happy to be part of it, helping the girls while learning a lot myself from Inguna [Minusa] and Daniele [Capriotti].
Atvars Ozoliņš, Team Latvia Head Coach
Looking ahead, Denmark is scheduled to play Ukraine on Saturday, and Latvia will face Ukraine on Sunday.
#Volleyball
The winners from each of the five qualification groups, along with the two best second-placed teams, will advance to the final round. These teams will join the hosts in The Hague, Netherlands, for the final tournament, scheduled to take place from July 7 to 12, 2026. The tournament features players born on or after January 1, 2005.
