Pasig: Vietnam's VTV Binh Dien Long An staged a comeback after a first-set defeat to overcome Saipa Tehran, securing a 22-25, 25-15, 25-20, 25-15 victory on Tuesday in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women's Champions League held at the Philsports Arena.
According to Philippines News Agency, Vi Thi Nhu Quynh led the charge with 21 points, consisting of 16 spikes, three blocks, and two aces, helping the Vietnamese team clinch the No. 2 seed in Pool C. This accomplishment allows them to advance alongside Baic Motor of China to the next round. Baic Motor had previously secured their position after defeating VTV Binh Dien Long An with a 22-25, 21-25, 25-19, 25-13, 15-10 win on Monday.
Looking ahead, VTV Binh Dien Long An is set to face Pool B leader Kaohsiung Taipower in the knockout quarterfinals scheduled for Thursday. Binh Dien Long An's head coach, Thai Quang Lai, noted strategic changes after the initial set, including repositioning Tran Thi Thanh Thuy and introducing Lu Thi Phuong, which proved pivotal in their success.
In the match, Polish import Natalia Lijewska contributed 15 points, while Thuy added 14 points through 12 attacks, a block, and an ace, alongside 13 notable digs in the one-hour and 50-minute encounter. On the opposing side, Saipa Tehran's outside hitters Mahsa Saberi and Mahsa Kadkhoda each scored 11 points, concluding their campaign with a 0-2 record.
Simultaneously, Kazakhstan's Zhetysu VC triumphed over Al Naser of Jordan with a decisive 25-10, 25-15, 25-11 victory, thus sweeping Pool A and advancing to the quarterfinals alongside Creamline, which holds a 1-1 record. For Zhetysu, Karyna Denysova and Yuliia Dymar scored 11 and nine points, respectively, while Isabela Paquiardi led Al Naser with 11 points and five digs.
