Vietnam Outlasts Taiwan to Reach AVC Women’s Semis

Vietnam’s VTV Binh Dien Long An dug deep to overcome Chinese Taipei’s gritty Kaohsiung Taipower, pulling off a thrilling 25-20, 17-25, 25-22, 28-26 victory to secure a semifinal spot in the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League on Friday at Philsports Arena.

The reigning Vietnam Volleyball League champions battled through an intense, extended fourth set, with team captain Thi Thanh Thuy Tran delivering clutch attacks to fend off the resilient Taiwanese squad.

The decisive point came under unusual circumstances—a contested net violation that ultimately tilted the match in Vietnam’s favor.

VTV Binh Dien Long An joined Zhetysu VC of Kazakhstan and Nakhon Ratchasima of Thailand, both of whom swept PLDT and Creamline in Thursday’s quarterfinals, in the semifinals set for Saturday.

The winners will dispute the championship on Sunday.

The Vietnamese will face the winner of the Beijing Baic Motor–Petro Gazz quarterfinal, which was still being played at press time.

Taipower pushed Vietnam to the limit in the fourth set, tying the score at 24.

After Vi Thi Nhu Quynh launched a powerful hit, Wan-Yun Hsu responded with her own clutch attack to extend the frame.

A Kaohsiung error gave Vietnam match point, but Hsu answered again to tie it at 26.

Vi, however, delivered a decisive spike before the controversial net violation ended Taipower’s spirited run.

“Taipower played really well in the fourth set—they worked as a team, and we struggled to build momentum. They kept catching up. In the end, we’re fortunate to win the match,” said Tran, who finished with 14 points, 11 excellent digs, and 16 excellent receptions in another all-around performance.

Lu Thi Phuong led Vietnam with 19 points on 17 attacks and two blocks.

Vi Thi Nhu Quynh added 18 points and seven excellent digs as VTV Binh Dien Long An geared up for a potential semifinal rematch against Pool C tormentor Beijing Baic Motor.

Nguyen Khanh Dang anchored the floor defense with 20 excellent digs and eight receptions.

Meanwhile, Taipower, which topped Pool B with an unblemished record, bowed out of the tournament supported by local partners PLDT, MWell, Eagle Cement, Rebisco, Akari, Gameville, PNVF, PSC, Cignal and The Look Group.

Wan-Yun Hsu powered the Taiwanese side with a match-high 20 points, along with 13 digs and nine receptions.

Yu-Chun Tsai recorded a triple-double with 14 points, 10 digs, and 12 receptions.

Xiao-Pei Hu and Hsin-Yu Huang chipped in 11 and 10 points, respectively, while Yu-Rou Peng and Ching Hsuan Huang each contributed eight points.