VIETNAM HAIL BACK-TO-BACK AVC CHALLENGE CUP CHAMPIONS

Manila, Philippines, May 29, 2024 – Vietnam retained the crown in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup for Women after defeating the debuting team Kazakhstan 3-0 (25-20, 25-22, 25-22). Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen’s 26-point performance boosted the SAVA side toward an impressive victory, which also stamped her lead in the MVP race.

The Wednesday evening’s title match at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum confirmed Vietnam’s slot to compete in the FIVB Volleyball Challenger Cup scheduled from July 4-7, 2024, as likewise hosted in Manila.

Kazakhstan, on their first participation in the competition, stamped their claim to the podium, as the runners-up in the 2024 edition.

The Philippines celebrated a 3-0 win (25-23, 25-15, 25-7) against Australia to bag the bronze medal right in front of the home crowd. Anne Angel Canino led all scorers on the board with 14 points, but it was the solid leadership and setting of chief playmaker Julia De Guzman which helped key in the host team’s first-ever podium finish in any senior-level AVC championship.

India finished 5th place after a 3-0 (25-17, 25-16, 25-11) against Iran. In a rematch of their Pool B encounter, India replicated their feat in straight sets, utilizing Soorya’s solid middle game. Anagha Radnakrishnan and Anusree Kambrath Poyilil came to support from the flanks with India’s main scorers posting double-digit markers for the victory.

Indonesia defeated Hong Kong, China in straight sets, 3-0 (25-15, 25-19, 25-20) in Wednesday’s opening match. The 16-year old hitter Junaida Santi keyed in a massive 21-point haul to help the team close their campaign on a winning note. The SAVA side were the runners-up in the 2023 edition Surabaya but only managed to finish at 7th place in the Manila meet.

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