Vietnam smoothly advanced to the semifinals of the ongoing 2024 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Challenge Cup for Women by defeating Kazakhstan 3-1 in a Pool B encounter on Friday, despite having one more group stage match to play.

In Friday’s match at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in the Philippines, Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen boosted the title-defending Vietnamese team’s third consecutive win as she exploded with 30 points on 26 attacks, three blocks, and an ace. 

In the absence of captain Tran Thi Thanh Thuy from the initial lineup due to injury, coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet opted to deploy seasoned players like Hoang Thi Kieu Trinh, Doan Thi Lam Oanh, Tran Tu Linh, Nguyen Khanh Dang, and Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen. 

Vietnam adhered to their established system, displaying adept backcourt movement to effectively orchestrate their offense. 

Their passing unit excelled, providing ample preparation for the hitters to execute their attacks. 

Bich Tuyen and Kieu Trinh thrived on the flanks, demonstrating remarkable success. 

Their composed transitions facilitated control at the middle, enabling swift attacks by Nguyen Thi Trinh.

Outside hitter Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen (blue jersey) contributes 30 points to Vietnam's 3-1 victory over Kazakhstan in their Pool B encounter at the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup for Women in the Philippines, May 24, 2024. Photo: Asian Volleyball Confederation

Vietnam asserted dominance in the first two sets, exhibiting superior play with scores of 25-14 and 25-19. 

However, in the third set, the Kazakh team showed heightened enthusiasm and determination, posing challenges for the Vietnamese blockers. 

At a pivotal juncture, Kazakhstan managed to reverse the momentum, securing a 25-14 victory.

Nevertheless, Vietnam clinched the fourth set decisively with a 25-23 triumph, courtesy of a powerful smash from outside hitter Bich Tuyen, resulting in a 3-1 overall victory.

Having secured three consecutive victories, Vietnam now sit atop Pool B and have secured a spot in the semifinals. 

Their final Pool B match against Indonesia is scheduled for Sunday.

Vietnam (blue jersey) and Kazakhstan in their Pool B encounter at the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup for Women in the Philippines, May 24, 2024. Photo: Asian Volleyball Confederation

The AVC Challenge Cup for Women stands as a prestigious international competition in Asia and Oceania, catering to unranked senior women’s national teams affiliated with the Asian Volleyball Confederation, the continent’s governing body for volleyball.

Established in 2018, the tournament is biennial. 

However, its inaugural edition, slated for Hong Kong, was canceled due to unforeseen circumstances. 

The subsequent edition, two years later, met the same fate owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The victors of the Cup earn a coveted berth at the FIVB Women’s Challenger Cup.

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