The sun-drenched sands of Lithuania recently bore witness to a familiar coronation, as Klaipeda Beach Volleyball Club (KBC) Oxyklinika once again asserted its formidable presence, securing the coveted right to represent Lithuania in the 2025 CEV Beach Volley European Cup. For aficionados of the national beach volleyball scene, this outcome might have felt less like a dramatic upset and more like an expected, albeit vigorously contested, confirmation of their enduring dominance.
The decisive battle for national representation unfolded at the “Summer Open ’25 #2” tournament, a meticulously organized event specifically designed to identify the nation`s premier club – one capable of not just participating, but genuinely challenging Europe`s elite. While the objective was crystal clear – find the best – the path to that determination involved a spirited contest among three strong contenders: Volley Lithuania, DAMJ Volley, and the eventual, and perhaps unsurprising, victor: KBC Oxyklinika.
As the competition intensified under the August sun, DAMJ Volley, despite their commendable efforts, found their journey curtailed before the final stage. The grand finale then set the stage for a compelling showdown between Volley Lithuania and Oxyklinika. In a display of calculated power, seamless teamwork, and tactical precision, Oxyklinika swept the final. Claiming two decisive wins to none against their tenacious opponents, their performance unequivocally underscored their current supremacy and their tangible readiness for a far grander international stage.
This victory, however, is more than just another local title to add to their growing collection; it marks Oxyklinika`s second consecutive qualification for the prestigious CEV Beach Volley European Cup. Their previous campaign in Montpellier, France, saw them achieve a respectable fifth-place finish. While securing a spot among Europe`s top five is certainly a commendable feat, one can reasonably assume the Klaipeda squad harbours significantly higher ambitions for their upcoming European venture, perhaps eyeing a podium finish or even the ultimate prize this time around.
A significant, arguably central, factor in Oxyklinika`s consistent and formidable success is their stellar roster. The team boasts a formidable lineup of seasoned athletes, a veritable who`s who of Lithuanian beach volleyball talent. Names like Ieva Dumbauskaite, Gerda Grudzinskaite, Ariana Rudkovskaja, Urte Andriukaityte, as well as Rugile Grudzinskaite and Skalve Krizanauskaite, are not merely local stars. These are players with extensive international experience, having navigated the demanding currents and high stakes of numerous European and global competitions. Their collective skill, strategic acumen, and battle-hardened composure provide Oxyklinika with a distinct and undeniable edge, transforming them from simply a club team into a genuine, globally-recognized force.
As Oxyklinika meticulously prepares to once again hoist the Lithuanian flag high on the European beach volleyball circuit, the expectations for their performance are, understandably, quite elevated. The “Summer Open ’25 #2” might have concluded, crowning them as national champions, but for this Klaipeda-based powerhouse, it’s merely the opening act. It`s the prelude to what promises to be an even more challenging, exhilarating, and potentially historic chapter in the CEV Beach Volley European Cup. The question now for their rivals across Europe isn`t whether they can compete, but rather, just how high this driven Lithuanian squad can truly climb.
Torin Vale