Riga is set to become the epicenter of Latvian volleyball aspirations this Saturday as the women`s national team embarks on a critical phase of their CEV EuroVolley 2026 qualification campaign. With two pivotal matches looming, the focus is squarely on the upcoming home fixture against Bosnia and Herzegovina, a contest that could significantly shape their continental championship dreams.
Team Latvia celebrating their home victory in a previous matchup with Montenegro.
The Crucial Home Opener: Bosnia and Herzegovina
The much-anticipated clash against Bosnia and Herzegovina will take place at the Team Sports Games Hall in Riga. This match represents not just a qualification step, but also an opportunity for Latvia to decisively assert their prowess on home turf. Notably, in the previous qualification cycle for EuroVolley 2026, Latvia received a walkover victory against the same opponent due to Bosnia and Herzegovina forfeiting their home match. This time, the Latvians are poised to earn their win on the court, leaving no room for speculation about administrative default and solidifying their position.
A Closer Look at the Latvian Roster
Head coach Daniele Mario Capriotti has assembled a formidable squad, balancing experience with emerging talent. The team`s composition for these decisive encounters highlights strategic depth across all positions. Leading the offensive charge will be opposite hitter Marta Kamēlija Levinska, a key player whose performance will be crucial.
The full roster reflects a blend of domestic and international club experience:
- Setters: Elvita Dolotova (RSU/MSĢ), Elza Reknere (Volei Constanta/Romania)
- Middle Blockers: Karmena Struka (RSU/MSĢ), Lāsma Ozola (Vilacondense Vila do Conde/Portugal), Anna Rīta (Coastal Carolina University/USA), Junora Vagele (Pexinois Niort/France), Līva Sola and Marta Beatrise Gintere (both RVS/LU)
- Opposite Hitters: Marta Kamēlija Levinska (Dresdner SC/Germany), Anete Čelnova (RVS/LU)
- Outside Hitters: Megija Dambrehte (Hämeenlinna/Finland), Paula Nikola Ņečiporuka (Vallecamonica Sebino Costa Volpino/Italy), Katrīna Struka (RSU/MSĢ), Anija Jurdža (Olimpico Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain), Šarlote Šlitere and Rūta Putene (both RVS/LU)
- Liberos: Kristīne Kramēna and Megija Grundmane (both RSU/MSĢ), Sindija Bože (RVS/LU), Elīna Zvaigzne (Modell Tübingen/Germany)
Recent Form and Preparations
Latvia enters this qualification window with a solid foundation from their recent competitive outings. Following a commendable silver medal finish in the CEV Silver League 2025, where they narrowly lost to Switzerland in a hard-fought final, the team has maintained their competitive edge through a series of friendly matches. They secured a 3-1 victory against Denmark and later triumphed 3-2 over Estonia in a keenly contested official friendly match in Tallinn, demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure and adapt to challenging game scenarios.
The team`s robust preparation also involves a dedicated support staff, including coaches Inguna Minusa and Arvils Keišs, analysts/statisticians Mareks Maksimovs and Vladimirs Visockis, strength and conditioning coach Roni Antero Rekola, physiotherapist Luisa Dombrovska, and team manager Kristaps Čerņavskis. This comprehensive support system underscores Latvia`s serious approach to these qualifiers.
The Road to EuroVolley 2026
These matches form the second critical batch of qualifiers for the CEV EuroVolley 2026, a prestigious tournament set to feature 24 national teams across host nations Türkiye, Czechia, Azerbaijan, and Sweden. Last year, Latvia showcased their fighting spirit by defeating Montenegro 3-2 in a memorable encounter. The upcoming matches are paramount for securing a coveted spot among Europe`s elite, building on the momentum and lessons learned from past campaigns.
As the Latvian women`s team prepares to step onto their home court, the atmosphere in Riga is anticipated to be electric. The journey to EuroVolley 2026 is a testament to their dedication, and with the support of their fans, they aim to turn their aspirations into a tangible qualification success.
