Pasig City, Philippines, April 27, 2025 – Thailand’s Nakhon Ratchasina QminC VC stepped onto the podium of the 1st AVC Women’s Volleyball Champions League as the third placers of the competition after winning 3-1 (25-21, 21-25, 25-21, 25-19) against China’s BAIC Motor Volleyball Club on Sunday at the PhilSports Arena.
“This competition is really high-level. We aimed for the best results and fell a bit short, but we worked really hard to get to this stage. And I’m just so happy to be part of this journey, as I also learned a lot and will take away many lessons and techniques,” said Anyse Smith, who boosted the victory with 16 points.
Nakhon Ratchasima went off to a great start, showing cohesive play among all units on the floor. The backcourt covered well for setter Sirima Manakij to activate the middle attack throughout rotations. Kaewkalaya Kamulthala and Tichakorn Boonlert took turns in striking from the middle, adding a great deal to the usual wing hitters.
Jin Ye and Shan Lanfeng powered BAIC Motor’s engines, scoring from the flank and backrow. They tried to keep their plays tight, but later suffered from miscues in key plays of the first set.
By the second set, the Chinese club restarted their game with more strategic service. They also imposed a tighter block formation, and succeeded in scoring off deflections, of forcing their opponents to miscalculate their attacks.
Sasipapron Janthawisut looked to become more prolific, adding to support the Thai side’s attack unit with Evangelia Chantava and Smith. They were not playing the perfect volleyball match that they have planned for, still suffering from small miscues. But they worked hard within the context of each rally, giving a little push that made much difference for a narrow lead in the third set.
Nakhon Ratchasima led throughout the fourth set, running business as usual with their rotation of hitters, yet keeping keen and steadfast against the opponents. They dominated the set with more attacks, more blocks and more aces, riding on such unstoppable momentum for victory in four sets.
“This championship is really special with the revamp of the event. The organization is impressive, from the hotel, the competition venue and training halls. We are happy and proud to take this medal home,” said Nakhon Ratchasima head coach Somchai Donpraiyod.
As the bronze medalists of the inaugural AVC Women’s Champions League, Nakhon Ratchasima QminC VC received a prize of USD 10,000 while BAIC Motor Volleyball Club took home USD 5,000 as the competition’s fourth placers.
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