Latvia's Ivita Asare comes in for some close attention from the Faroe Islands.
An exciting opening match of the Women’s Four Nation tournament in Sheffield saw Latvia run out 23-21 winners in a tight affair against the spirited Faroe Islanders.
Latvia started strongly and opened up a lead midway through the first half as their physical and technical superiority began to show. With both teams employing a 6:0 defence, Latvia found it easier to put the ball in the net.
However, the Faroes looked to address the scoreline five minutes from the end of the first half by calling the first time-out and switching their goalkeeper.
The change seemed to inspire them as they began to get a foothold in the match and, following an exchange of penalties followed by a fast-break with the last play at the end saw the Islanders go in just three goals down.
The second half saw the Islanders come out all guns blazing with a series of fast-breaks combined with a 4:2 defence to get the game level, after which they reverted back to a 6:0 defence and the game settled down.
But the Latvians held their rivals at bay, and despite losing the second half goal tally they took the win and will be full of confidence going into their game against hosts Great Britain tomorrow night.
Latvia Scorers: Elita Ekkerte 7, Ina Gundega 5, Ivita Asare 4, Jolanta Bicka 2, Agne Skabarde 2, Lana Nikolaejeva 1, Dina Bergmane 1, Darja Guseva.
Faroe Islands Scorers: Simona Petersen 6, Durita Christopherse 3, Rebakka Justinsen 2, Gurid Mortensen 2, Heidi Maria Akselsen 2, Elin Staksund 2, Una Olsen 2, Ninna Katrina Johansen 1, Simina Hansen 1.
Text: Andrew McSteen, LOCSP.org
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