Vietnam and Thailand Set Up Epic Final Showdown in SEA V League Women’s Week 1

 

Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand – August 2, 2025 — Southeast Asia’s volleyball giants, Vietnam and Thailand, maintained their perfect records on Saturday, paving the way for a thrilling title-decider on the final day of the BYD – 5th SEA V League Women’s Week 1, hosted at the vibrant Terminal Hall inside Terminal 21 Korat Shopping Mall.

Both teams remain unbeaten after two rounds, with Vietnam overcoming a determined Philippines squad 3-1 and hosts Thailand staging a remarkable comeback to down Indonesia by the same scoreline. With identical two-win records and six points each, the regional heavyweights are now set for a much-anticipated clash to determine the Week 1 champions.

Vietnam Passes a Stiff Test from the Philippines

The Vietnamese side displayed resilience and focus in their 25-13, 25-21, 23-25, 25-9 victory over the Philippines. Despite dropping the third set, Vietnam quickly regained control, led by a dominant performance from star outside hitter Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen. Tuyen delivered an all-around masterclass with 23 points, including 18 kills, three blocks, and two service aces. Key support came from Tran Thi Thanh Thuy and Nguyen Thi Uyen, who contributed 15 points each.

Vietnam captain Tran Thi Thanh Thuy acknowledged the Philippines’ growth: “They gave Thailand a tough time, so we didn’t underestimate them. Losing a set was a wake-up call, but we stayed mentally strong. Tomorrow will be even tougher against Thailand.”

Thailand Rallies After Early Shock from Indonesia

In the day’s second match, defending champions Thailand, world No.20, overcame a first-set setback to beat Indonesia 22-25, 25-15, 27-25, 25-12. Fielding several second-string players to test bench depth, Thailand initially struggled without key figures like setter Pornpun Guedpard and captain Chatchu-on Moksri.

Indonesia took advantage of this, securing the first set through sharp execution and a balanced attack. However, Thailand regrouped swiftly. Sasipaporn Janthawisut powered the home side with 19 points, while Donphon Sinpho and Waruni Kanram added 16 and 14 points respectively. Once head coach Danai Sriwacharamaytakul reintroduced key starters, Thailand stabilized and dominated the final two sets with improved rhythm and energy.

“It was intense but enjoyable,” said Sasipaporn post-match. “Coach trusted us with this opportunity. We had to overcome nerves after the first set, but we eventually found our rhythm.”

Final Day Fixtures Set the Stage

As the first leg in Nakhon Ratchasima draws to a close, all eyes now turn to Sunday’s double-header. At 13:30, the Philippines and Indonesia—both winless—will fight for third place. The highlight, however, comes at 17:00, when Vietnam and Thailand face off in a high-stakes battle to decide the SEA V League Women’s Week 1 champions.

With pride, rankings, and regional bragging rights on the line, Sunday promises a thrilling conclusion to an already captivating tournament.

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Vietnam’s Authority and Thailand’s Grit Shine on Opening Day of SEA V League Women’s Week 1

 

Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand – August 1, 2025:

The 5th SEA V League Women’s Week 1 tipped off with a thrilling showcase of Southeast Asia’s volleyball evolution. In front of an energized crowd at Terminal 21’s indoor Terminal Hall, hosts Thailand weathered a stern test from a transformed Philippine side to win 3-1, while Vietnam served notice of their title ambitions with a ruthless straight-sets dismantling of Indonesia.

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Thailand 3–1 Philippines (17-25, 26-24, 25-20, 25-20)

The match was expected to be a comfortable start for the seven-time SEA V League champions, but the Philippines tore up the script early, exploiting Thailand’s slow start and second-string lineup. Thailand's decision to rest attacking spearheads Pimpichaya Kokram and Ajcharaporn Kongyot nearly backfired, as their replacements struggled with consistency in both serve reception and attacking transitions.

The Philippines pounced with well-structured offense led by Eya Laure and Alyssa Solomon. Their service pressure and aggressive wing attacks exposed gaps in Thailand’s floor defense, culminating in a dominant 25-17 first set—the first time the Philippines had taken a set from Thailand in this competition since 2019.

Tactical Turnaround:
Thailand’s recalibration in the second set proved decisive. With their backs to the wall, coach Kiattipong Radchatagriengkai deployed his full arsenal, reintroducing Pimpichaya and Ajcharaporn. The offense shifted from hesitant to clinical. Pimpichaya’s straight-line hitting and Ajcharaporn’s smart shot selection added width and unpredictability to Thailand’s game.

Thailand also addressed their earlier sideout struggles by tightening first-ball reception and relying on quicker middle plays, reducing the effectiveness of the Philippines’ block timing. Setter Pornpun Guedpard’s experience in reading the defense became a key asset as the match wore on.

Though the Filipinas maintained composure and even had a set point in the second, Thailand’s late-set execution proved too polished. Once level at 1-1, the hosts gradually asserted dominance, improving both their blocking efficiency and defensive coverage to control the next two sets.

Key Stats:

• Pimpichaya Kokram: 18 points (17 attacks, 1 ace)

• Ajcharaporn Kongyot: 13 points

• Alyssa Solomon (PHI): Match-high 20 points (16 kills, 2 blocks, 2 aces)

Insight:
Thailand remain vulnerable when key players are rotated, particularly in ball control phases. The Philippines, however, have evolved into a structured, tactically aware unit. Their middle tempo sets, sharper floor defense, and targeted serving could challenge more established teams consistently.

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Vietnam 3–0 Indonesia (25-11, 25-11, 25-22)

Vietnam sent a powerful message with a ruthless takedown of Indonesia, led by the attacking pair of Tran Thi Thanh Thuy and Hoang Thi Kieu Trinh. The Vietnamese imposed early authority with high service pressure, using flat, deep serves to disrupt Indonesia’s reception rhythm.

What followed was a systematic breakdown of Indonesia’s structure. With clean passing, Vietnam ran their signature quick combinations and spread the offense expertly across all zones. Setter Nguyen Linh Chi was instrumental, alternating between fast middle dumps and wide tempo balls to keep Indonesia guessing.

The first two sets were completely one-sided, as Vietnam’s block-defend-transition cycle functioned like clockwork. Megawati Hangestri, Indonesia’s primary scoring threat, was often left to swing against a well-formed block, or from off-balance positions due to broken play.

Coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet’s decision to rotate players in the third set gave Indonesia a brief opening. With Vu Thi Kim Thoa and Pham Thi Hien stepping in, Vietnam showed some looseness in cohesion, and Indonesia managed to draw level at 21-all. But a late surge, anchored by Thanh Thuy’s controlled kills and Nguyen Thi Uyen’s serve run, closed the door.

Key Stats:

• Tran Thi Thanh Thuy & Kieu Trinh: 12 points each

• Arsela Nuari Pumama & Megawati (INA): 11 and 10 points respectively

Insight:
Vietnam’s tempo and first-contact discipline are unmatched so far. Their balance of power and precision gives them the edge in execution. Indonesia, despite their raw power, lack the cohesion to survive long rallies or maintain system play against top-tier teams.

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Standings After Day 1

Team	W-L	Sets Won-Lost	Points
Vietnam	1-0	3-0	3
Thailand	1-0	3-1	3
Philippines	0-1	1-3	0
Indonesia	0-1	0-3	0

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What’s Next?

• Thailand vs Indonesia: Thailand will aim to fine-tune their chemistry and iron out reception flaws.

• Vietnam vs Philippines: A compelling rematch of the AVC Nations Cup final. Vietnam’s system play will be tested by the Filipinas’ momentum and dynamic attack.

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Conclusion

Vietnam look sharp, structured, and in sync. Thailand have the depth, but face early questions on consistency. The Philippines have emerged as true dark horses with tactical maturity and fearless execution, while Indonesia must find a better rhythm if they aim to challenge. The SEA V League is clearly no longer a two-horse race.