Latvia U18 Women Open European Championship with Win Over Croatia
Latvia’s U18 women’s basketball team defeated Croatia 72:64 in their first European Championship match in Stockholm. Next up are Serbia and Poland.
Latvia’s U18 women’s basketball team started their European Championship campaign in Stockholm on Saturday, August 1, with a 72:64 victory over Croatia. The team, coached by Rūdolfs Rozītis, Edgars Ikstens and Mudīte Gūtmane, controlled the game throughout, although Croatia threatened in the final period.
The squad featured several changes from last year. Marta Ploriņa, Mila Luzgina and Šarlote Skrebele joined after the test games, while Anete Ozoliņa had previous experience at the U18 level. Six players were making their debut in a final tournament.
Latvia played fast and dominated inside, finishing with a 27-20 rebounding advantage and only 5 turnovers to Croatia’s 12. A 13-0 run in the second quarter built a 17-point lead. Croatia’s main offensive weapon, Olivia Vukoša, managed 10 points and 8 rebounds but made just 4 of 13 field goals.
In the second half, Croatia fought back and cut the deficit to two points in the 37th minute. However, Mila Luzgina scored five consecutive points down the stretch, and Šarlote Skrebele added a mid-range jumper with 30 seconds left. Five Latvian players scored at least seven points: Marta Ploriņa, Santa Ozola, Madlēna Pērse, Mila Luzgina and Šarlote Skrebele.
All teams advance to the round of 16. Latvia next face Serbia on Sunday at 19.15 and Poland on Monday at 14.00.
