Stare Jablonki, Poland, July 1,
2013 – Ieva Dumbauskaite and Monika Povilaityte are writing history for
Lithuania this week in Stare Jablonki. They are the first team to
represent their country at the FIVB World Championships. In the past,
four teams from Lithuania did enter qualifying at the World
Championships in Marseille in 1999, but they failed to advance to the Championship proper.
“It’s like a history event for us”, Dumbauskaite said after their first match on Monday. “We are the first pair from Lithuania playing the World Championships. I am not thinking about that yet, it will sink in after the event. I am proud that I can be here.”
Beach volleyball is increasing in popularity in Lithuania, helped by Dumbauskaite's and Povilaityte's win in the 2012 U19 World Championships. “Right now beach volleyball in Lithuania is growing. More children are playing beach volleyball than two or three years ago and I am so happy about that.”
Debut without victory
Their world championship debut could not be decorated with a total victory though. Dumbauskaite and Povilaityte lost in two sets (21-15 21-18) to Germany’s Katrin Holtwick and Ilka Semmler.
“We were a little bit scared in the first set because the German girls are very strong, they are fifth in the world. In the middle of the second set we were ok, but at the end they were stronger so they win. But I think it was not a very bad match for us.”
About their expectations Dumbauskaite said: “It’s going to be a miracle if we reach the second phase, but we are here to gain experience and do the best we can do.”
FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships Tournament Page
FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships Women's Schedule
FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships Men's Schedule
FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships Women's Entry List
FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships Men's Entry List