Zhetysu's perfect run secures AVC Women’s Championship victory
Kazakhstan’s Zhetysu Volleyball Club capped off a perfect tournament performance at the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League by securing a 3-1 victory over Vietnam’s VTV Binh Dien Long An in the finals held on Sunday, April 27, at the PhilSports Arena.
The Kazakh club, already a powerhouse in Kazakhstan’s Women’s National League with nine titles to their name, displayed an unwavering level of dominance throughout the competition.
Their only setback came in the second set of the final, but they recovered swiftly to clinch the title with final scores of 25-14, 20-25, 25-23, 25-18.
Zhetysu dominated both offensively and defensively, out-blocking their opponents 15-2 and serving 10 aces to just one from Binh Dien Long An. The match, which lasted 87 minutes, was a showcase of the Kazakh team’s superior skill and strategy, with their height advantage playing a pivotal role.
Karyna Denysova led the way for Zhetysu, contributing an impressive 23 points, including 21 attacks, 1 block, and 1 ace. Additionally, she added 10 excellent digs and 5 excellent receptions to her all-around performance. Denysova’s stellar play earned her both Most Valuable Player honors and the Best Outside Hitter award.
Joining Denysova on the AVC Women’s Champions League Dream Team were Valeriya Yakutina, who was named Best Middle Blocker after contributing 12 points, including six crucial kill blocks in the final, and Daria Sharhorodska, who was honored as the Best Setter of the tournament.
Other standout performances for Zhetysu came from Tatyana Nikitina, who posted 16 points, and Yuliia Dymar, who sealed the victory with the title-clinching spike in the final set.
Despite the loss, VTV Binh Dien Long An earned a spot in the upcoming FIVB Women’s Club World Championship, joining Zhetysu as one of the tournament’s top teams.
The Vietnamese side was led by Tran Thi Thanh Thuy, who scored a match-high 28 points and was named Best Opposite Spiker. Her teammate, Thi Nhu Quynh Vi, was recognized as Best Outside Hitter, while Khanh Dang Nguyen was named Best Libero.
In the bronze medal match earlier in the day, Nakhon Ratchasima from Thailand defeated Beijing Baic Motor from China 25-21, 21-25, 25-21, 25-19. Greek spiker Eva Chantava led the Thai side with 22 points, while Anyse Marlee Smith added 16.
