Osaka, Japan, May 12, 2025 – Aqtobe VC of Kazakhstan kicked off their AVC Men’s Champions League campaign with convincing 3-0 (25-11, 25-15, 25-19) win over Australia’s Queensland Pirates in Pool A action at Panasonic Arena on Monday.
Nikita Shavalev led Aqtobe with 14 points, including 13 from attacks, while team captain Aibat Netalin chipped in with 12 points (11 attacks, 1 block). Nodirkhan Kadirkhanov added 11 points. The Kazakh team’s disciplined defense and efficient offense held the Pirates in check, with no Australian player reaching double figures. Van Driel Xander was the top scorer for Queensland with 8 points, all from attacks.
“I’m happy with our first win here,” said Shavalev. “Since Queensland Pirates have now lost twice, we’ve secured a place in the quarterfinals. Tomorrow will be much tougher, we’re up against Suntory Sunbirds, champions of the SV.League and one of the strongest teams in Japan. But we’ll give our best and play our fast-paced game.”
Aqtobe entered the match fresh and focused, using their energy to dominate early. The 202 cm Shavalev was a constant threat, unleashing powerful spikes that overwhelmed the Pirates’ defense. Netalin and Akimov also combined effectively in both blocking and attacking, quickly taking control of the first set. Despite a few late errors from both sides, Aqtobe closed the set with ease.
The second set began with more resistance from the Pirates, but Aqtobe’s rhythm remained intact. Kirill Kostylenko was a force at the net and from the service line, while the Australian side, led by Steven MacDonald and Van Driel, struggled to match the Kazakhs’ consistency. Aqtobe pulled away to take the set comfortably.
Queensland showed flashes of resilience in the third set, with standout plays from Van Driel and Benjamin Carleton, and strong blocking from Ky Landers and Angus Burton. However, as Aqtobe regained momentum, unforced errors crept into the Australian side’s game, and the Kazakhs capitalized to close out the match.
With back-to-back losses in Pool A, Queensland Pirates exit the competition without earning a point, becoming the first team eliminated from the tournament. Meanwhile, Aqtobe VC will face Japan’s Suntory Sunbirds on Tuesday in a showdown for the top spot in the group.
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