Viljandi Avenges Previous Loss with Dramatic One-Goal Triumph over Dragūnas
February 1, 2025
In a nail-biting rematch of their previous encounter, Viljandi HC emerged victorious with a 26-25 win over HC Dragunas in the Baltic Handball League. The match, held at the Viljandi Sportshall, was a testament to resilience and determination as Viljandi avenged their earlier loss and reclaimed their winning form.
Match Overview
The game was a rollercoaster from start to finish, with both teams trading blows in a high-intensity battle. Viljandi HC took control early, finishing the first half with a 14-11 lead. However, HC Dragunas fought back fiercely in the second half, narrowing the gap and even tying the score at 25-25 in the final minutes. It was a last-minute goal by Viljandi’s Aleksander Pertelson that sealed the deal, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Key Moments
- First Half Dominance: Viljandi HC started strong, with key contributions from Mikk Varik and Kristjan Koovit, who combined for 8 goals in the first half. Their defensive efforts also limited HC Dragunas’ opportunities, allowing Viljandi to build a 3-goal lead by halftime.
- Dragunas’ Comeback: HC Dragunas came alive in the second half, led by Gytis Šmantauskas, who scored 7 goals, including three successful 7-meter shots. Karolis Stropus also played a pivotal role, netting 5 goals to keep Dragunas in contention.
- The Decisive Final Minute: With the score tied at 25-25 and less than a minute left on the clock, Aleksander Pertelson stepped up for Viljandi HC, scoring the winning goal and securing the hard-fought victory.
Top Performers
- Viljandi HC:
- Aleksander Pertelson: The star of the match, Pertelson scored 5 crucial goals, including the game-winner. His composure under pressure was instrumental in Viljandi’s success.
- Mikk Varik: Varik was a force to be reckoned with, scoring 5 goals and providing stability in critical moments.
- Jaan-Paul Varik: Perfect from the 7-meter line, Varik converted all three of his attempts, showcasing his precision and reliability.
- HC Dragunas:
- Gytis Šmantauskas: Dragunas’ top scorer with 7 goals, Šmantauskas was a constant threat and kept his team in the game until the very end.
- Karolis Stropus: Stropus delivered a stellar performance with 5 goals, demonstrating his ability to step up in crucial moments.
Themes of the Match
This victory was more than just a win for Viljandi HC; it was a statement of resilience. After a narrow defeat in their previous encounter, Viljandi showed grit and determination to turn the tables. The team’s ability to maintain composure under pressure, especially in the final moments, highlighted their growth and mental toughness.
Looking Ahead
With this win, Viljandi HC has not only avenged their earlier loss but also strengthened their position in the Baltic Handball League. The team will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next challenge. Meanwhile, HC Dragunas will undoubtedly regroup and come back stronger, setting the stage for another thrilling encounter in the future.