Photos courtesy of Vietcontent
Devastating Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen scored a match-high 31 points to steer LPBank Ninh Binh to surprise straight-set win against hosts VTV Binh Dien Long An in the highly-anticipated semifinal clash of the 14th VTV9-Binh Dien Cup International Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the packed Buon Ma Thuot City Gym in Dak Lak Province, Vietnam on Friday.
The hard-fought 25-22, 25-23, 25-22 win has moved Ninh Binh a step closer to getting Vietnam back on track to stand proudly on the top of the victory podium since Vietin Bank had made it in 2016, the last edition that a home team had captured the eventual title in this annual tournament.
Both sides fielded formidable lineups in this crucial match. Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen, who delivered 24 points including 21 kills in Ninh Binh’s disappointing 1-3 loss to BCTT Truong Tuoi Binh Phuoc in their last Pool B clash, remained a major force to be reckoned with. Also strengthening Ninh Binh were two Vietnam national team players, middle blockers Le Thanh Thuy and Nguyen Thi Trinh, while star spiker Tran Thi Thanh Thuy and Chinese import Chen Peiyan became the backbone of Binh Dien Long An.
The first set was initially dominated by Ninh Binh, thanks to Bich Tuyen’s exceptional attacks and solid blocks. They led from start 9-4, but Binh Dien Long An counter-attacked aggressively to level it at 10-10. Still, with Bich Tuyen on fire, Ninh Binh widened the gap to 24-21. Chen Peiyan fired a powerful mid-court attack to help Binh Dien Long An narrow the margin 22-24. However, the Binh Dien Long An’s comeback was short-lived as a spike from the Chinese went wide to see Ninh Binh take the thrilling set 25-22.
Ninh Binh still performed well in the second set, with Bich Tuyen and Le Thanh Thuy making excellent offensive combinations to take turns penetrating the rivals’ defence with their attacks and blocks. Binh Dien Long An bounced back to close out the margin at 23-23, but Ninh Binh had enough to hold them off and clinch the hard-fought set 25-23.
Going down straight two sets, Binh Dien Long An, former two-time winners in 2007 and 2010, regained their composure in the third set. Chen Peiyan turned a thorn in the rivals’ blockers, methodically tearing the Ninh Binh’s defence apart with her deadly attacks to put her team in front 22-19. Ninh Binh incredibly clawed their way back to win 6 points in a row to capture the set 25-22, with Bich Tuyen successfully blocking a powerful…
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