Latvia squander two-set lead, lose to Slovenia and exit European Championship group hopes

Latvia's women's national volleyball team suffered a five-set defeat to Slovenia at the European Championship, losing 2:3 (25:23; 25:19; 15:25; 13:25; 12:15) after having led two sets to none. The loss eliminates any remaining chance for Latvia to progress from its group.

Latvia started strongly, winning the first set 25:23 after overturning an early Slovenian lead, then took the second set comfortably 25:19. However, the momentum shifted in the third and fourth sets, where Slovenia dominated, winning 25:15 and 25:13 to level the match.

The decisive fifth set was closely contested, with Latvia at one point holding the advantage, but Slovenia pulled away late to win 15:12 and take the match.

Paula Nečiporuka was Latvia's top scorer with 20 points, followed by Marta Levinska with 17 and Anija Jurdža with 16. For Slovenia, Maša Puceļa led all scorers with 20 points.

The result leaves Latvia last in Group A with no wins from four matches. Even a five-set victory would not have been enough to keep alive its chances of advancing, as a win in three or four sets was required.

Latvia will conclude its group stage tomorrow against Hungary in a match to determine fifth place in the group.