Latvia's women's volleyball team falls to Azerbaijan in second test match in Baku
Latvia's women's volleyball team lost 0-3 to Azerbaijan in Baku but won the extra set 25:15. Preparations for the European Championship continue in Riga with a match against Croatia.
Latvia's women's national volleyball team played its second test match in Baku on Saturday, August 8, against Azerbaijan, one of the co-hosts of the upcoming European Championship. The team lost 0-3 (21:25, 16:25, 18:25) but won the additional set 25:15.
A different lineup
Unlike the previous day's match, which Latvia lost in a tight five-set battle, the coaching staff used a different player rotation this time. Elza Reknere and Megija Dambrehte started as setter and opposite hitter, while Elvita Dolotova and Marta Levinska, who had played those positions the day before, began the match on the bench. Assistant coach Edvarts Buivids explained that with a long preparation period ahead of the European Championship, it would not make sense to field the same lineup in every match, so the team is giving other players a chance to prove themselves.
Buivids noted that Latvia stayed competitive with Azerbaijan for a long stretch in the first set, but several turning points followed in which the team struggled with its serve while the opponents defended well and converted their chances. He added that the two defeats in Azerbaijan should not be a cause for disappointment, since the Latvian team is still working toward matching the level of such opponents and continues to improve.
Top scorers
Megija Dambrehte led Latvia's scoring with 22 points and 49% attacking efficiency. Paula Ņečiporuka added 10 points, Anija Jurdža scored 8, and Šarlote Šlitere contributed 6. Anna Rīta stood out with four scoring blocks, totaling 5 points. For Azerbaijan, Poļina Rahimova (15) and Jeļizaveta Rubana (14) were the top scorers.
Libero Kristīne Kramēna said she felt good on the court, though Azerbaijan had studied Latvia's play more closely for the second match and played smarter. She noted that facing such a strong block requires playing aggressively and with confidence.
Preparations continue next week in Riga, where Latvia will host Croatia. Latvia will compete in the European Championship final tournament for the first time since 1997, opening on August 21 against Turkey in Istanbul.
