Games Tuesday
(Philsports Arena, Pasig City)
10 a.m. – Saipa Tehran (0-1) vs VTV Binh Dien Long An (0-0)
1 p.m. – Al Naser Club (0-1) vs Zhetysu VS (0-0)
4 p.m. – PLDT High Speed Hitters (1-0) vs Nakhon Ratchasima Qmin C VC (0-0)
7 p.m. – Hip Hing Women’s Volleyball Team (0-1) vs Petro Gazz Angels (0-0)
By MARK REY MONTEJO
Beijing Baic Motor recoiled from a brink of defeat and eked out a dramatic 22-25, 21-25, 25-19, 25-13, 15-10 reverse-sweep win over VTV Binh Dien Long An to clinch a quarterfinal berth in the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City Monday, April 21.
Facing the specter of huge embarrassment after losing the first two sets, the Chinese displayed grit and resolve and wheeled back into the contest behind an array of power spikes and defensive masterclass to prevail in what could be the most exciting game in the tournament so far.
Thanks to the power-hitting Jin Ye, Beijing’s win was a fitting follow-up to team’s 28-26, 25-22, 25-19 romp of Iran’s Saipa Tehran in the opener last Sunday, April 20.
With Baic Motor advancing to the next round, Binh Dien (0-1) and Saipa Tehran (0-1) will face each other for the second seat in the quarters which is a knockout affair.
“I am familiar with the local teams here [and] I have been here before,” said Baic Motor head tactician Qi through an interpreter. “But we have a younger team this year and all we want to do is bring more experience back to China so that we don’t have any pressure on us.”
Outside hitter Jin earned love and respect from her adoring fans after her 30-point explosion off 24 kills, four aces and two blocks to go with 10 excellent digs, while Langfen Shan and Lu Yufei added 20 and 14 points, respectively.
Spearheading VTV’s offense were Thi Nhu Quynh Vi (22) and Thi Thanh Thuy Tran (20), but their efforts went down the drain.
Meanwhile, Thailand’s Nakhon Rachasima Qmin C VC made quick work of the youthful Queensland Pirates of Australia, 25-10, 25-16, 25-12, to begin its AVC quest with a bang.
Nakhon is now level with the PLDT High Speed Hitters (1-0) in Pool D, while the Pirates were booted out of contention after their second consecutive defeat.
The Thailand-based group now challenges the High Speed Hitters for the top spot in their bracket this Tuesday, April 22.
