Baic Motor Stuns Vietnam, Books AVC Quarterfinal Spot

Games Tuesday (April 23, 2025)
10 a.m. – Saipa Tehran vs. VTV Binh Dien Long An (Pool C)
1 p.m. – Al Naser Club vs. Zhetysu VC (Pool A)
4 p.m. – PLDT vs. Nakhon Ratchasima (Pool D)
7 p.m. – Hip Hing vs. Petro Gazz (Pool A)

Beijing Baic Motor staged a stunning comeback from two sets down to defeat VTV Binh Dien Long An in five sets, 22-25, 21-25, 25-19, 25-13, 15-10, on Monday at Philsports Arena in Pasig in the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League.

The Chinese side spoiled the highly anticipated debut of the Vietnamese powerhouse and became the first team to clinch a quarterfinal berth by sweeping Pool C with two wins.

Baic Motor earlier defeated Saipa Tehran in straight sets, 28-26, 25-22, 25-19, in Sunday’s opener.

Despite missing two key players on national team duty and rotating just 10 players, Baic Motor displayed remarkable resilience and composure under pressure.

After narrowly losing the first two sets, the Chinese squad rallied with tight net defense and a dominant scoring performance from Jin Ye.

Jin erupted for 30 points, including 24 attacks, four aces, and two blocks, and added 10 excellent digs in a commanding all-around performance.

Her back-to-back crosscourt kills in the fifth set sealed the comeback and completed one of the tournament’s most memorable reversals.

As Pool C’s top seed, Baic Motor will face the second seed from Pool B, which includes Petro Gazz, Taipower of Chinese Taipei, and Hong Kong’s Hip Hing.

“I’m familiar with the local teams here—I’ve been here before,” said Baic Motor head coach Kuang Qi through an interpreter.

“We have a younger team this year, and all we want is to bring experience back to China, so there’s no pressure on us,” he added.

Baic Motor initially struggled against the offensive firepower of Vietnamese stars Tran Thi Thanh Thuy and Vi Thi Nhu Quynh.

But with their backs against the wall, the Chinese executed a sharp turnaround with precise attacks and improved floor defense to force a deciding fifth set.

The turning point came in the third frame when Baic Motor adjusted its rhythm and timing to neutralize Binh Dien Long An’s offense.

With renewed confidence, the Chinese dominated Set 4 and entered the final frame with momentum.

Baic Motor surged to a 13-7 lead in the fifth set, powered by crosscourt hits from Lu Yufei and Shan Lanfeng and a timely block by Shen Hongyi.

The Vietnamese managed a brief rally, but Jin Ye shut the door with a pair of decisive hits to close the match.

“Ye is playing well,” said Qi.

“I’m happy not just with her performance today but with the leadership she brings to the team.”

Jin was backed by Lanfeng, who tallied 20 points on 14 attacks, four blocks, and two aces.

Yufei also made a key impact with 14 points.

Shen added nine points on seven attacks and recorded three excellent digs.

Tian Yue chipped in seven points from four attacks and three blocks.

The AVC Women’s Champions League is supported by Mikasa, Mizuno, Grand Sport, PLDT, MWell, Eagle Cement, Rebisco, Akari, Gameville, PNVF, PSC, Cignal, and The Look Group.

Despite the loss, VTV Binh Dien Long An remains in contention for the second quarterfinal spot in Pool C but must defeat Saipa Tehran on Tuesday to advance.

Vi Thi Nhu Quynh led Vietnam with 22 points on 20 attacks.

Tran Thi Thanh Thuy added 20 points on 18 attacks.

Russian import Lijewska Natalia finished with 12 points, while middle blocker Nguyen Thi Ngoc Hoa contributed seven.