Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, August 2, 2025 – Formidable Vietnam and hosts Thailand continued their winning momentum on Saturday, setting the stage for a much-anticipated showdown in the final day of the BYD – 5th SEA V League Women’s Week 1 at the packed Terminal Hall inside Terminal 21 Korat Shopping Mall.
Vietnam produced a gritty 3-1 triumph over an ever-improving Philippines, while Thailand bounced back from an opening set loss to clinch a dramatic 3-1 victory against Indonesia in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.
With their back-to-back victories, both Vietnam and Thailand now sit atop the standings with six points each from straight two wins, heading into Sunday’s decisive round-robin clash to determine the unbeaten champions of the Nakhon Ratchasima leg and winners of Week 1.
Building on their strong performance against Thailand the day before, the Philippines showed renewed confidence and resilience, even stealing a set from world No.24 Vietnam.
However, the Vietnamese squad, looking sharp and composed, regained control in the fourth set to wrap up the match with a commanding 25-13, 25-21, 23-25, 25-9 win.
In what could serve as a prelude to a potential rematch of this year’s AVC Nations Cup final held in Hanoi, Vietnam turned up the heat in the deciding set, storming ahead with an 11-3 lead behind the brilliant play of star spiker Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen, who was virtually unstoppable at the net and from the service line.
Tuyen capped off her stellar performance with 23 points built from 18 attacks, 3 blocks, and 2 aces. Tran Thi Thanh Thuy and Nguyen Thi Uyen chipped in with 15 points apiece to lift Vietnam to a 2-0 record. On the other side, Vanessa Gandler led the Philippines with 10 points, including 8 attacks and 1 block.
“We knew the Philippines played well against Thailand, so we came prepared,” said Vietnam’s captain Tran Thi Thanh Thuy. “After losing the third set, we refocused and came back stronger. Tomorrow’s match against Thailand will be another tough challenge, and we need to prepare thoroughly.”
In the second match, defending champions Thailand, currently ranked 20th in the world, opted to rest their key players and gave valuable court time to their bench, including Sasipaporn Janthawisut, Donphon Sinpho, Waruni Kanram, Kanyarat Kunmueang, and setter Nattanicha Jaisaen.
Despite being without captain Megawati Hangestri Pertiwi, world No.54 Indonesia shocked the home crowd with a spirited 25-22 win in the opening set, showcasing solid teamwork and smart tactics.
Unfazed, Thailand regrouped in the second set, with Sasipaporn and Donphon spearheading the attack en route to a 25-15 win. The third set proved a nail-biter, as Indonesia put up a strong resistance. Thailand reinforced their lineup by bringing in ace setter Pornpun Guedpard and star spiker Pimpichaya Kokram, which turned the tide. A netted serve from Indonesia and a final hammer from Donphon gave Thailand a hard-fought 27-25 win.
The fourth set saw Thailand dominate with seamless coordination and explosive attacks, racing ahead to a 20-8 lead and cruising to a 25-12 finish.
Sasipaporn led all scorers with 19 points from 18 kills and 1 block, while Donphon and Waruni added 16 and 14 points respectively. Ersandrina Devega Salsabila paced Indonesia with 18 points, all from attacks.
“It was a fun but intense match,” said Sasipaporn. “Coach Kiattipong gave us substitutes a chance to show what we’ve got. Losing the first set made us nervous, but we managed to bounce back. Personally, I feel I could’ve performed better.”
The curtain falls on Women’s Week 1 on Sunday with two key matchups. At 13:30 local time, the Philippines and Indonesia, both winless, will battle for the bronze medal in their final round-robin encounter.
The grand finale at 17:00 will see Thailand and Vietnam go head-to-head in a clash of the titans to crown the SEA V League Women’s Week 1 champions.
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