Volleyball

The Việt Nam team on the top podium of the 2023 AVC Challenge Cup. Việt Nam beat Indonesia 3-2 in the final match in Indonesia. Photo asianvolleyball.net

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam claimed the championship title at the 2023 Women's AVC Challenge Cup after a dramatic match, beating hosts Indonesia on home turf on Sunday.

It was the team's first-ever continental title, qualifying them for the FIVB Challenger Cup which serves as the promotion platform for the 2024 Volleyball Nations League.

Sunday’s finale featured all Southeast Asian teams, both gunning for the golden ticket to the world event. It was the second meeting of the two sides in two months.

The previous match against Indonesia was the semi-finals of the 32nd SEA Games which saw Việt Nam win 3-2 in a thrilling tie-break triumph.

In the rematch, Việt Nam turned on high speed, running their offence swiftly and providing a tough challenge for the home team.

Captain Trần Thị Thanh Thúy showed off her elite skill. Her storm volleys gave Indonesian defenders no way to resist. Việt Nam easily won the first set at 25-18.

Indonesia found a way to slow the pace of the match. They mounted pressure with their serves, which succeeded in breaking their opponents’ rhythm and momentum. They tried to set their counter-attack slowly yet accurately. They improved in defence, giving the away team a run for their money.

Megawati Hangestri Pertiwi was the playmaker of the team, securing many points from her powerful spikes.

Vietnamese players celebrate a point during the 2023 AVC Challenge Cup finale. — Photo asianvolleyball.net

She helped the hosts to take the next two sets 25-27 and 21-25.

In the fourth set, Việt Nam made a comeback, firming up their backcourt in passing. They dealt with tough serves and attacks, while quickly recovering and countering to balance the game with a 25-20 win.

In the decisive set, teams were asked to focus through their exhaustion. They struggled for each point until they secured a 14-13 for Việt Nam. Head coach Nguyễn Tuấn Kiệt signalled a key player change, Vi Thị Như Quỳnh, who brought a fresh lease to the offence and brought back momentum.

Việt Nam's captain Thúy, who scored 23 points, many of which were converted from clutch plays, was named Most Valuable Player of the Cup. She also shared the title of best outside spiker with Wu Fang-yu of Chinese Taipei.

Earlier, Chinese Taipei finished in third place after a 25-13, 25-15, 25-18 match against India.

“Today is a good day for the team. We always support one another. I am very thankful to my teammates, our staff, and our coaches. They are all the reason for this victory,” she said.

Her teammate Đoàn Thị Lâm Oanh was the best setter while Đinh Thị Trà Giang was one of the two best middle blockers.

"We are pleased with the result of the team. Players did not reach their best performance but the result was great regardless," said coach Kiệt.

"Now the whole team really wants to return home as soon as possible for the visa application to France."

The team will train in South Korea before competing in the July 27-30 tournament.

At the FIVB Challenger Cup, eight qualified teams play in a knockout stage format. The champion team will qualify for the next year's Volleyball Nations League as a challenger team. VNS