Ninh Binh, 10 August, 2025 – The Ninh Binh Gymnasium was packed to capacity on the evening of August 10, as home fans eagerly anticipated a strong performance from the Vietnam women’s volleyball team in their decisive clash against Thailand. The final match of Stage 2 in the SEA V.League 2025 was set to determine the overall standings, adding extra intensity to the encounter.
Head coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet made a notable tactical adjustment for the match, handing the starting setter role to Vo Thi Kim Thoa. She combined with opposite hitter Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen, outside hitters Tran Thi Thanh Thuy and Vi Thi Nhu Quynh to form a balanced and aggressive lineup.
Thailand, unfazed by the electric home atmosphere, started strongly and claimed the first two sets 25-17 and 26-24. Their dynamic offensive play and varied attacking patterns challenged Vietnam’s blocking efforts. However, in the third set, coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet reorganized both the front and back lines, instructing his players to neutralize Thailand’s high-pressure serves. The adjustment paid off as Vietnam dominated the set 25-17.
In the fourth set, Thailand initially held the lead, but the home side rallied to edge out a 25-22 victory, forcing the match into a decisive fifth set. The tiebreaker was a tense battle, with Vietnam narrowly prevailing 16-14. As the final whistle blew, players and coaching staff embraced in celebration, savoring a historic moment for Vietnamese volleyball.
This victory marked the first time in history that Vietnam’s women’s volleyball team defeated Thailand in an official tournament. After finishing runners-up in the SEA V.League in both 2023 and 2024, coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet’s squad broke through in 2025 to claim the Stage 2 championship.
Vietnam finished the stage unbeaten, winning all three matches. Thailand took second place, followed by the Philippines in third and Indonesia in fourth. The triumph was a testament to the team’s resilience, tactical discipline, and ability to perform under pressure.
Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen emerged as the standout performer, leading Vietnam in scoring and earning the Most Valuable Player award for Stage 2. Additional individual honors went to Vi Thi Nhu Quynh as Best Outside Hitter, Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy as Best Middle Blocker, and Bich Tuyen also securing the Best Opposite Hitter award.
With this historic win, Vietnam’s women’s volleyball team not only achieved a significant milestone but also sent a strong message ahead of future regional competitions — they are ready to challenge Southeast Asia’s traditional powerhouse.
Leave a Reply