Nakhon Ratchasima, 3 August, 2025 – Vietnam’s women’s volleyball team fought with determination but narrowly lost to hosts Thailand in the decisive match for the SEA V.League 2025 Stage 1 title, held on August 3 in Nakhon Ratchasima.
Facing a Thai side renowned for its superior attacking diversity, coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet fielded his strongest lineup, featuring setter Doan Thi Lam Oanh, outside hitters Nguyen Thi Uyen and Tran Thi Thanh Thuy, middle blocker Nguyen Thi Trinh, wing spiker Tran Thi Bich Thuy, libero Nguyen Khanh Dang, and opposite hitter Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen. This lineup was expected to deliver a tight, disciplined performance to limit Thailand’s offensive options.
The Vietnamese team started strong, claiming the opening set 25-23. However, Thailand bounced back in the second set with a 25-19 win, leveling the score. The thrilling contest continued as Vietnam regained the lead with a 25-21 victory in the third set, only to see Thailand dominate the fourth set 27-15, forcing a decisive fifth set.
In the final set, the home team maintained their composure and outplayed Vietnam 15-11, sealing a 3-2 overall victory.
Throughout the match, Thailand’s stars Ajcharaporn, Pimpichaya, Warisara, Hattaya, and Thatdao proved highly effective in attack. On the other side, Vietnam’s hitters were repeatedly blocked, conceding crucial points. Despite the close battle, Vietnam fell short of achieving the long-awaited win over Thailand.
With this result, Thailand secured first place in Stage 1, Vietnam finished second, the Philippines took third, and Indonesia came fourth.
The teams will continue their rivalry in Stage 2 of the SEA V.League 2025, which will be hosted in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, from August 8 to 10.
In individual awards, Vietnam celebrated standout performances as Tran Thi Bich Thuy was named Best Middle Blocker, Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen earned Best Opposite, and Nguyen Khanh Dang claimed Best Libero. For finishing second, the Vietnamese team received a prize of USD 13,000.
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