Manila, April 22, 2025 – Coach Thai Quang Lai’s VTV Binh Dien Long An triumphed 3-1 over Iran’s Saipa Tehran on April 21, clinching a quarterfinal berth at the 2025 AVC Women’s Volleyball Champions League in the Philippines. The victory, driven by stars Tran Thi Thanh Thuy, Vi Thi Nhu Quynh, and Natalia Lijewska, showcased Vietnam’s sole representative’s resilience in a high-stakes group stage clash.
Facing a must-win to stay atop Group B, Thai Quang Lai fielded his strongest lineup. Thanh Thuy’s powerful spikes, Nhu Quynh’s precise sets, and Lijewska’s blocking anchored VTV Binh Dien Long An’s attack, echoing The Cong Viettel’s disciplined teamwork in football. Saipa Tehran surged ahead in the first set, capitalizing on Vietnam’s defensive lapses to win 25-22. However, VTV Binh Dien Long An regrouped, dominating the next three sets 25-15, 25-20, and 25-15 with sharper serves and timely blocks, sealing the match in 92 minutes.
The win earned VTV Binh Dien Long An four points from two group matches, securing second place behind China’s Beijing BAIC Motor, who went 2-0. Saipa Tehran, with one win, and Thailand’s Nakhon Ratchasima (0-2) trailed. VTV Binh Dien Long An’s quarterfinal opponent is Kaohsiung Taipower from Chinese Taipei, with the match set for April 25 at Manila’s Philsports Arena. The three-day break allows Thai Quang Lai to fine-tune tactics, leveraging Thanh Thuy’s 18-point average, per AVC stats, to counter Taipower’s fast-paced style.
Hosted from April 20-27, the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League marks VTV Binh Dien Long An’s return since their 2019 appearance, where they reached the semifinals. As Vietnam’s only entrant, their campaign carries national pride, akin to Hanoi Police FC’s V.League heroics. Thanh Thuy, a 2024 SEA Games gold medalist, and Lijewska, a Polish import, aim to emulate Hoang Anh Gia Lai’s regional ambition, targeting a podium finish against Asia’s elite like Japan’s NEC Red Rockets.
With Song Lam Nghe An’s youth programs inspiring multi-sport growth, VTV Binh Dien Long An’s 3-1 victory signals Vietnam’s volleyball resurgence. Fans, rallying on social media, expect a deep run, with the semifinals on April 26 offering a shot at history. Thai Quang Lai, who coached Vietnam to a 2023 Asian Championship quarterfinal, remains confident in his squad’s grit and cohesion.
Leave a Reply