Manila, April 25, 2025 – VTV Binh Dien Long An delivered a spirited performance to defeat Kaohsiung Taipower from Chinese Taipei 3-1 in the quarterfinals of the 2025 AVC Women’s Volleyball Champions League on April 25, securing a coveted semifinal spot. The victory, played at Philsports Arena, marks Vietnam’s third consecutive semifinal appearance in the tournament, reinforcing their regional volleyball prowess.
Facing an unfamiliar opponent, coach Thai Quang Lai prioritized a robust defensive block, instructing his players to neutralize Taipower’s potent spikes. The strategy paid dividends, with Tran Thi Thanh Thuy, Vi Thi Nhu Quynh, and Natalia Lijewska executing flawlessly, their cohesion reminiscent of The Cong Viettel’s tactical discipline in football. VTV Binh Dien Long An clinched the match 25-20, 17-25, 25-22, 28-26 in a 98-minute thriller, overcoming a second-set stumble to outlast Taipower’s resilient attack led by Chen Tzu-ya.
The win propels VTV Binh Dien Long An, Vietnam’s sole representative, into the semifinals on April 26, where they face either Japan’s NEC Red Rockets or Thailand’s Nakhon Ratchasima, per AVC scheduling. This marks their return to the tournament since 2019, when they also reached the semifinals, finishing fourth. Their 2023 appearance, as Vietnam’s national club champion, yielded another semifinal berth, underscoring consistency akin to Hanoi Police FC’s V.League dominance.
Thai Quang Lai praised his team’s confidence, stating post-match: “The players stepped onto the court with belief, and this victory reflects their preparation and focus.” Thanh Thuy’s 19 points, including five blocks, and Lijewska’s clutch smashes in the tense fourth set, per match stats, were pivotal. The squad’s preparation, bolstered by Ho Chi Minh City FC-like training camps, has sharpened their edge since their 3-1 group-stage win over Iran’s Saipa Tehran.
Hosted in the Philippines from April 20-27, the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League is VTV Binh Dien Long An’s chance to claim a historic podium finish, building on their 2024 SEA Games silver. With Song Lam Nghe An’s youth programs inspiring multi-sport growth, Vietnam’s volleyball ascent mirrors Hoang Anh Gia Lai’s football academies. Fans, buzzing on social media, rally behind Thanh Thuy, a 2023 Asian Championship standout, as VTV Binh Dien Long An eyes a final berth, potentially against China’s Beijing BAIC Motor, to etch their name among Asia’s elite.
Leave a Reply