Volleyball

Nguyễn Thị Bích Tuyền (No 10) jumps to hit a ball during the FIVB Women’s Volleyball Challenger Cup's third-place playof against Belgum on July 7 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila. — Photo courtesy FIVB

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam stunned Belgium 25-23, 23-25, 25-20, 25-17 to bag a bronze medal in the 2024 FIVB Women’s Volleyball Challenger Cup on July 7 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

It was the best result ever of the country at an event of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB).

Ace hitter Nguyễn Thị Bích Tuyền did it again. The 24-year-old knocked in 35 points, delivering 11 attacks in the first set and had nine more in the next frame, in their 98-minute showdown against world No 13 rivals, who were 21 steps higher than Việt Nam in the world rankings.

Middleblocker Nguyễn Thi Trinh chipped in 10 attacks while team captain Trần Thị Thanh Thuý had five attacks, one block and one ace for the Vietnamese, who prevailed after one hour and 55 minutes.

Việt Nam eliminated host Philippines 25-14, 25-21, 25-22 in the quarter-final, but lost 19-25, 14-25, 19-25 to world No 16 Czech Republic in the semis.

Vietnamese players pose for photo after their historic Challenger Cup bronze. Photo courtesy FIVB

The bronze medal match win made Việt Nam the only Asian squad in the world podium and jump to No 32 in the world, the highest position ever for the team.

Later on, Czech dominated Puerto Rico 25-23, 25-20, 18-25, 25-18 to take the Challenger Cup trophy.

“I’m very happy about this win and I’m very proud of my teammates. We have a good connection and we did well today,” captain Thúy said.

It’s a strong follow-up to the Vietnamese’ championship last May in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Challenge Cup, which was also held in the Philippines.

The team arrived home on July 8 and will get started on preparing for a friendly tournament from July 18-28-7 in Shanghai, China. VNS