Вс. Июл 13th, 2025

Austria Keeps Final Hopes Alive with Gritty Amstetten Victory Over Latvia

Amstetten, Austria – In a pulsating encounter on home soil, the Austrian women`s national volleyball team secured a vital 3-2 victory against Latvia in the CEV European Silver League. The hard-fought win in Amstetten not only entertained the local crowd but also propelled Austria into a winner-takes-all scenario against Switzerland for a coveted spot in the league final.

The match, held on Friday, saw Head Coach Roland Schwab introduce some key players, including Anamarija Galic, Aida Mehic, and the returning Srna Vardjan. The initial sets painted a picture of Austrian dominance. Superior blocking and precise serving were the hallmarks of a comfortable 25-16 first set win. Austria maintained their net presence in the second set, with Vardjan sealing a 2-0 lead with a tight 25-23 scoreline. The narrative seemed straightforward: a routine home victory was on the cards.

However, sport, particularly volleyball, rarely follows a script without a twist. Latvia, demonstrating admirable resilience, refused to capitulate. They adjusted their game, finding more consistency, especially as Austria`s reception wavered. Sets three and four saw a reversal of fortunes, with Latvia taking both 25-19, showcasing a notable lack of Austrian attacking power against Latvia`s improved defense. The match was unexpectedly pushed to a decisive fifth set, much to the anxiety, one imagines, of the Austrian bench and supporters.

Team Austria celebrating victory against Latvia
Team Austria celebrates a crucial point during their five-set thriller against Latvia in Amstetten.

The tie-break demanded composure, and thankfully for Austria, they rediscovered it when it mattered most. Regaining control early in the final set, they established a lead they would not relinquish, closing out the match 15-10. It wasn`t the straightforward win perhaps anticipated after the first two sets, but the two points gained were invaluable.

Individual performances were key to the Austrian triumph. Srna Vardjan, marking her return, led the scoring with 17 points, ably supported by Kora Schaberl (14) and Nina Nesimovic (13). For Latvia, Marta Kamelija Levinska delivered an outstanding performance, tallying a match-high 27 points, alongside contributions from Paula Neciporuka (15) and Anna Rita (9).

Reactions post-match reflected the tension and significance of the result.

I am incredibly happy that we still won after giving away the 2-0 lead. Latvia fought for every ball, but in the end we found our rhythm again. Now we will recover – and then we will be ready for Switzerland.

Victoria Deisl, Austria Setter

Head Coach Roland Schwab pinpointed areas for improvement but acknowledged the critical nature of the win.

Overall, we lacked stability in reception. That made it tough for our setter. But the win is important – we are still in the race. On Sunday, we have to beat Switzerland.

Roland Schwab, Austria Head Coach

Latvia`s Head Coach, Daniele Capriotti, took pride in his team`s fightback and looked ahead.

That one point is important. I am proud of how we came back. Tomorrow, we face possibly the best team. We will fight against Switzerland just like we did today – that’s for sure.

Daniele Capriotti, Latvia Head Coach

With Latvia now on 13 points, Austria and Switzerland are tied with 12 points each heading into the final matches of the League Round in Amstetten. While Switzerland faces Latvia on Saturday, the stage is set for a direct confrontation on Sunday. The Austria vs. Switzerland match will not just be another game; it will be a direct playoff for a place in the CEV European Silver League final, making the Amstetten tournament`s conclusion a must-watch event for volleyball enthusiasts.

By Elton Marrow

Say hello to Elton Marrow, a sports journalist rooted in an English city. He’s hooked on the pulse of games—be it rugby scrums or sprint finishes in cycling. With a sharp eye for detail, Elton spins match reports into tales that grip readers.

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