Lithuania W vs Romania Women – European League Women Match Report

Date: 21 June 2026 | Venue: Lithuania

In a five‑set thriller that had fans on the edge of their seats, Lithuania Women outlasted Romania Women 3–2 in the European League Women on 21 June 2026. The set scores – 25–22, 18–25, 25–20, 23–25, 15–13 – reflected a contest that swung back and forth before the home side clutched the decisive moments in the tiebreak.

Match Overview

Lithuania came into the match as underdogs against a higher‑seeded Romanian squad, but they demonstrated remarkable resilience. After dropping the second set convincingly, the home team regrouped and took a 2–1 lead. Romania fought back to force a fifth set, but Lithuania’s composure under pressure earned them a memorable victory in front of a passionate local crowd.

Outside hitter Greta Paulauskaitė was the star for Lithuania, finishing with 26 points (23 kills, 2 blocks, 1 ace). On the Romanian side, opposite Ana Maria Ionescu countered with 24 points, but her efforts were not enough to prevent the loss.

Key Moments

• First set: Lithuania edged a tight set 25–22 after a late 4‑0 run powered by Paulauskaitė’s serving.
• Second set: Romania dominated, leading 16–11 at the technical timeout and cruising to 25–18.
• Third set: Lithuania pulled away from 16–16 to win 25–20, capitalising on Romanian errors.
• Fourth set: Romania saved two match points at 24–23 to force the decider.
• Fifth set: Lithuania raced to a 5–1 lead, Romania clawed back to 13–13, but a kill from middle blocker Rūta Šidlauskaitė and a Romanian attack error sealed the 15–13 win.

Standout Performers

• Greta Paulauskaitė (LTU): 26 points – Player of the Match.
• Rūta Šidlauskaitė (LTU): 9 kills, 4 blocks – crucial at the net.
• Ana Maria Ionescu (ROU): 24 points, including 3 aces, in a losing effort.
• Diana Popescu (ROU): 18 digs and outstanding defensive work.

Impact on the European League Women Standings

This five‑set win gave Lithuania two valuable points in the European League Women standings, keeping their hopes of a top‑half finish alive. Romania, despite earning a point for pushing to the tiebreak, missed a chance to consolidate a top‑three spot. The result also highlighted Lithuania’s growing confidence in their home court advantage.

Both teams will look to build on this performance when they return to action in the coming weeks. For Lithuania, the victory was a statement that they can compete with established European sides when they execute their game plan.