Kazakhstan’s Zhetysu VC showcased the full breadth of its talent and resilience, roaring back from third-set deficits and overpowering Vietnam’s VTV Bình Điền Long An in the fourth to carve out a 25-14, 20-25, 25-23, 25-20 victory and capture the 2025 AVC Women’s Volleyball Champions League crown at the Philsports Arena late Sunday.
The towering Kazakhs, whose imposing frontline had been a defining force throughout the tournament, once again leaned on their height and impeccable timing to break down the Vietnamese challenge. Their chemistry and cohesion, honed through a grueling unbeaten run in the eight-day championship, came to the fore when it mattered most.
The rebranded continental tournament featured 12 of the region’s leading clubs from 10 countries, but it was Zhetysu VC which stood tallest, literally and figuratively.
The Kazakhs topped pool play without incident, trounced the PLDT High Speed Hitters in the quarterfinals, then blasted Thailand’s Nakhon Ratchasima in the semifinals without conceding a set to storm into the final.
“Of course, I want to congratulate the Vietnam team — they played very, very well,” Zhetysu head coach Marko Gršić said.
“But I also want to give a big, big bravo to my team. We won all our matches, and in the final, we showed how brave we are. I think we truly deserved this title. I’m very proud of my team.”
“We didn’t expect to lose a set, but Vietnam is really very good,” Grsic added.
“I always believed we were better, although at one point, I thought the match might go to five sets. But winning it in four is even better — and we’re very happy.”
With the title and the top purse of $20,000, Zhetysu VC not only completed a flawless championship run but also stamped its mark as the team to beat in Asian women’s club volleyball.