Rubene Forces Decisive Game in Latvian Floorball League Semifinals
Kocēni, Latvia – The Kocēnu “Rubene” forced a seventh and decisive game in their best-of-seven semifinal series against Cēsis “Lekrings” in the ELVI florball league on Saturday, securing an impressive 11-5 victory. The win levels the series at 3-3, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown to determine who will advance to the league final.
Despite initially taking a 2-0 lead in the series, “Rubene” faced a resilient challenge from “Lekrings,” who battled back to win the next three games. Today’s contest at the Cēsis Sport Complex saw “Rubene” determined to avoid elimination, and they responded with a dominant performance.
The game began swiftly in favor of the visitors, with Artis Matīss Fogelis scoring just 20 seconds into the first period to give “Rubene” an early 1-0 lead. Jorens Malkavs quickly answered for “Lekrings” at the 3-minute mark, tying the score at 1-1. However, “Rubene” regained momentum with consecutive goals from Kristers Babris and Jēkabs Keišs, establishing a 3-1 advantage. Edgars Puriņš managed to narrow the gap for “Lekrings” at the 15-minute mark, making it 3-2.
The second period proved to be pivotal, as “Rubene” extended their lead significantly, outscoring “Lekrings” 7-2. This surge effectively took the wind out of the home team’s sails. The final period saw both teams add to their tallies, but “Rubene” maintained control, ultimately securing a commanding 11-5 victory and leveling the series at 3-3.
Kristers Babris led the charge for “Rubene,” delivering a standout performance with 3 points (2 goals, 1 assist). He also played a key role in a sequence where “Lekrings” inadvertently scored on themselves. Mikus Edvards Ķikuts, Gustavs Siliņš, Jēkabs Keišs, and Pāvels Semjonovs each contributed with two points apiece. Renārs Kovaļovs was recognized as the best player for “Lekrings,” despite not registering any points on the scoresheet.
Bruno Beķeris was the top scorer for “Lekrings” with 2 points (1 goal, 1 assist). The shot ratio favored “Lekrings” slightly, 30-28, but “Rubene’s” efficiency in converting opportunities proved decisive.
The decisive game is scheduled for Thursday, April 2nd, at 8:00 PM local time (UTC+3) at the Kocēnu Sporta Nams. This promises to be a thrilling conclusion to a tightly contested semifinal series, with both teams vying for a coveted spot in the ELVI florball league Superfinal.
“Lekrings” – “Rubene” – 5:11 (2:4, 0:3, 3:4), series tied 3:3
Shot Ratio:
30:28 (10:12; 4:6; 16:10)
Top Scorers:
“Lekrings” – Bruno Beķeris 2 (1+1), Emīls Dzalbs 1 (1+0), Rūdolfs Dāvis Maklers 1 (1+0), Edgars Puriņš 1 (1+0), Jorens Malkavs 1 (1+0), Tosm Rīsmanis 1 (0+1), Artūrs Jurševskis 1 (0+1), Jēkabs Berkolts 1 (0+1), Olafs Zvīnis 1 (0+1).
“Rubene” – Kristers Babris 3 (2+1), Mikus Edvards Ķikuts 2 (2+0), Gustavs Siliņš 2 (2+0), Jēkabs Keišs 2 (1+1), Pāvels Semjonovs 2 (0+2), Andris Jēkabsons 1 (1+0), Artis Matīss Fogels 1 (1+0), Rihards Avots 1 (1+0), Ritvars Bērziņš 1 (0+1), Toms Pētersons 1 (0+1), Matīss Celms 1 (0+1), Kārlis Dūmiņš 1 (0+1), Juris Zilberts 1 (0+1).
The outcome of Thursday’s game will determine which team advances to compete for the ELVI florball league championship. Fans can expect a fiercely competitive match as both “Rubene” and “Lekrings” leave everything on the floor in pursuit of a Superfinal berth.
