Volleyball
On Sunday, hosts Latvia were defeated 3-1 (22-25, 19-25, 25-22, 16-25) by Ukraine in their final U22 Women`s EuroVolley qualifying match held at the Daugavpils Olympic Centre. Having previously beaten Denmark, Ukraine secured their place in next year’s Final Round in the Netherlands with these two decisive victories.
Latvia started strong in the first set, scoring the first two points including an ace from Karmena Struka. However, Ukraine quickly responded, taking a 16-10 lead with a powerful serve. Latvia fought back, tying the score at 22-22 thanks to the efforts of Karmena and Katrīna Struka, but Ukraine won the remaining points to secure the set 25-22.
In the second set, Ukraine established an early lead, extending it to 18-9 after a successful attack. Latvia attempted a comeback, narrowing the deficit to 18-20 after an ace, but Ukraine maintained their lead, winning the set 25-19.
With qualification already secured, Ukraine made three substitutions in the third set. Latvia also adjusted their lineup. Ukraine took an initial 10-6 lead, but the home team responded with a 4-0 run to pull ahead 17-15. Latvia went on to win the set 25-22 following a miscommunication on the Ukrainian side.
The fourth set began with Latvia taking a 2-0 lead. However, Ukraine quickly took control with a decisive 7-0 run, establishing an 11-5 advantage. Ukraine sealed the set 25-16 and the match victory with a final attack.
Latvia’s top performer was Katrīna Struka with 17 points, including three blocks and an impressive 56% attacking efficiency. Karmena Struka contributed 10 points, featuring three aces, while Marta Gintere added 9 points.
For Ukraine, Diana Kryva led the scoring with 17 points. Andriana Pavlyk added 14 points, and Polina Herasymchuk recorded 12 points, four of which came from blocks.
What we saw on the court was the type of Volleyball all women’s teams strive for. Overall, it was a very valuable tournament. We didn’t qualify for the final round, but the experience gained in the matches against Denmark and Ukraine is invaluable. The fight against Denmark proved that everyone can play now, everyone wants to win, and we can no longer afford to play carelessly or underestimate any team. The match against Ukraine was already a different game, as we had learned from the first one.
Latvia U22 head coach Inguna Minusa
It was a good match, and Ukraine definitely played very well, but I think we also had chances to win. Unfortunately, a few silly mistakes allowed us to win only one set. Ukraine won the first set thanks to their strong starting lineup, which played excellently. When they began making substitutions, their game didn’t flow as well, and that’s why we could take the third set.
Katrīna Struka
I hadn’t trained much with the team, having only had a few practices in Daugavpils, but I think we worked together well and supported each other. Unfortunately, it just didn’t work out this time.
Katrīna Struka
Ukraine secured their spot in the final tournament the previous day with a 3-0 (25-12, 25-23, 25-12) victory over Denmark on Saturday. Andriana Pavlyk was the top scorer with 21 points, including seven aces, while Diana Kryva added 16 points. Veronika Kjaer Sørensen led Denmark with 9 points.
Ukraine finished the qualifying round with six points, securing qualification. Denmark earned two points, and Latvia finished with one.
The two opening sets were the most important for us, because after those we had already secured first place in the group. After that, three substitutes took to the court, and I’m very pleased that we managed to win with them on the court as well. That’s also important for the players. Our biggest problems were caused by the Struka sisters, who are members of Latvia’s senior national team. They have more experience than the other U22 players and are among the leaders of the senior squad. I think Latvia’s U22 team is stronger than their Danish peers, but on Friday Denmark played really well – even better than they usually do.
Ukraine’s head coach Gariy Yegiazarov
