In a rollercoaster encounter at the Daugavpils Olympic Centre, Denmark`s U22 women`s volleyball team edged out hosts Latvia with a hard-fought 3-2 victory (25-22, 25-22, 21-25, 16-25, 15-8) in their opening match of the #EuroVolleyU22W qualifiers. The match on Friday, July 4, 2025, delivered plenty of drama, showcasing the competitive spirit of both young squads.
A Danish Double, Then a Latvian Revival
Denmark started strong, demonstrating early composure in two tight sets. Both the first and second sets saw minimal point differentials, keeping spectators on edge. Key attacks, notably from Nikita Maria Egemark Clausen, helped Denmark clinch the first set 25-22. They carried this momentum into the second, despite an early Latvian lead, capitalizing on tactical plays and Latvian reception issues to secure another 25-22 win. Two sets down at home is a tough spot, and Latvia looked to be facing an uphill battle, prompting some initial despondency among the home faithful.
However, the Latvian side, spurred on by the home crowd, refused to surrender. They found their rhythm in the third set, with Marta Gintere providing crucial attacks and Rūta Putene delivering impactful serves, including a decisive unreturnable ace. This shift in momentum allowed Latvia to take the third set 25-21. Their resurgence continued dramatically in the fourth set. Powered by effective serving, including four aces from Anna Cepurīte, Latvia built a significant lead and closed out the set 25-16, forcing a deciding tiebreak. It was a remarkable turnaround, turning a potential Danish sweep into a tense, winner-take-all fifth set, proving that in volleyball, as in life, it`s never over till it`s over.
Tiebreak Decider Goes Denmark`s Way
Entering the tiebreak, the pressure was immense, but it was Denmark who regained their earlier composure. They quickly established a lead, scoring the first two points and maintaining control throughout the final set. Mille Bassøe delivered the winning attack, sealing a dominant 15-8 victory in the tiebreak and securing the crucial match win for Denmark. The tiebreak, often a test of nerve as much as skill, clearly favoured the visitors this time.
Key Performances and Stats
Individually, several players stood out. For Latvia, Karmena Struka led the scoring with 13 points, supported by Rūta Putene (11 points), Katrīna Struka, Anna Cepurīte, and Marta Gintere (9 points each). Anna Cepurīte`s four service aces were particularly impactful during Latvia`s comeback sets, a weapon Denmark struggled to handle at times. Denmark`s attack was spearheaded by Veronika Kjaer Sørensen and Mille Bassøe, both contributing a team-high 15 points. Nikita Clausen added 14 points, notably excelling at the net with five blocks, turning away Latvian attacks with clinical efficiency. Marie Sonne Kristensen also made a significant defensive impact with four blocks among her 12 points. Denmark`s overall blocking advantage (11 to 5) proved to be a critical factor in the match outcome, highlighting their defensive strength when it mattered most.
Player and Coach Perspectives
Post-match reactions highlighted the competitive nature of the game. Danish player Nikita Maria Egemark Clausen praised the opponents and her team`s resilience, attributing success partly to team chemistry. “It was a great match from both sides, and I’m really happy we managed to win the final set,” she commented. “We kept our energy until the end and played our game… We’re friends as a team, even off the court… We know what it takes to get the best out of our game.” Her remarks underscore the importance of team cohesion, a common thread in successful teams.
Latvia`s Head Coach, Atvars Ozoliņš, acknowledged his team`s initial nervousness but lauded their fightback, a testament to their character. “I’m proud of the team for continuing to fight and tying it at 2-2,” he stated. However, he conceded Denmark`s superior aggression in the decisive moments. “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.” Ozoliņš, coaching his first official women`s national team match, also noted the challenge of limited opponent information and the impact of Denmark`s key players, a gentle hint that scouting might need an upgrade before the next encounter. He is now focusing on the crucial upcoming fixture against Ukraine.
Looking Ahead in the Qualifiers
This match sets the stage for the remainder of the qualifier group in Daugavpils. Denmark will face Ukraine on Saturday, while Latvia will meet Ukraine on Sunday. The winner of the group, along with two best second-placed teams from across all qualification pools, will earn a spot in the final tournament in The Hague, Netherlands, scheduled for July 7-12, 2026, featuring players born on or after January 1, 2005. For both Latvia and Denmark, this opening match was a vital step, demonstrating their capabilities and identifying areas for improvement. The path to The Hague is now clearer, but the journey involves navigating through tough competition, with Ukraine posing the next significant challenge.
