After eight days of thrilling competition, the 14th VTV9 – Binh Dien International Women’s Volleyball Cup concluded on the evening of May 19, 2024. Demonstrating superior skill and teamwork, Japan’s PFU Blue Cats emerged as the champions with an undefeated record.
In the highly anticipated final match between PFU Blue Cats and LPB Ninh Binh, over 1,500 enthusiastic spectators at Dak Lak Sports Arena witnessed an intense showdown. Both teams were determined to claim the top prize. In the first set, the impressive performances of Bich Tuyen and middle blocker Nguyen Thi Trinh led Coach Thai Thanh Tung’s team to a dominant 25-18 victory.
The second set saw LPB Ninh Binh continue their spirited play, buoyed by the fervent support of the home crowd. They engaged in a fierce point-by-point battle with the Japanese team. However, trailing by three points and in a critical moment, Coach Iwai Koji introduced substitute Uemura Anna (#19), whose powerful serves quickly turned the tide. Anna’s consecutive aces leveled the score at 24-24. The teams traded points until PFU Blue Cats edged out a 30-28 win when Bich Tuyen’s final shot went out of bounds, marking a pivotal moment in the match.
With momentum on their side, the PFU Blue Cats, led by Cuban-born outside hitter Melissa Valdes (#23) and the tournament’s best middle blocker Hosonuma Aya (#6), dominated the next two sets. They secured the third set 25-18 and the fourth set 25-22, clinching a 3-1 victory to claim the championship title. Despite their best efforts, Bich Tuyen and her LPB Ninh Binh teammates had to settle for the second place.
Prior to the final match, the organizers held a closing ceremony and officially handed over the hosting rights for the 2026 tournament to Tay Ninh Province. This will be the second time Tay Ninh hosts the prestigious event, reflecting its commitment to promoting volleyball in the region.
The 2024 VTV9 – Binh Dien International Women’s Volleyball Cup highlighted the exceptional talent and sportsmanship of the participating teams, and the PFU Blue Cats’ victory underscored their outstanding performance throughout the tournament.
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