MANILA, Philippines – At the 2025 AVC Women’s Volleyball Champions League on Sunday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City, Nakhon Ratchasima defeated Beijing Baic Motor 25-21, 21-25, 25-21, 25-19, securing the bronze medal with a resolute combination of strength, tenacity, and tactical skill.

The Thai team replied with determination and composure to achieve a well-deserved victory, even though they came into the match with a noticeable height disadvantage and had just lost to Kazakhstan’s Zhetysu VC in straight sets in the semifinals. As a result, they were awarded a $10,000 reward and finished third in the continental competition for the second time in a row.

To defeat a physically stronger Baic Motor squad, Nakhon Ratchasima, also referred to as the Devil Cat, depended on their quick-paced style of play, precise hitting, and strong net defense. One of the pre-tournament favorites, the Chinese team came into the bronze medal match hoping to bounce back from their shocking semifinal loss to VTV Bình Điền Long An of Vietnam. But in the end, the Thais’ methodical and enthusiastic approach proved to be too much.

Nakhon Ratchasima took the lead early in the encounter. The Thai team controlled the pace despite Baic Motor’s greater reach, regularly outpacing the defense with quick changes and incisive attacks. Thanks to the strong scoring of Lu Yufei and Jin Ye, the Chinese team was able to rally in the second set and tie the match at one set each.

However, in the third set, when the match was evenly matched, the Devil Cat displayed their poise and championship spirit. Clutch plays from their overseas reinforcements helped them win a fiercely contested frame. Canadian opposite hitter Anyse Smith made a timely kill block on Baic Motor’s top scorer, Jin, after Greek outside hitter Eva Chantava started a scoring run with a down-the-line spike. The Chinese team’s rhythm was disrupted by the two-point swing, giving Nakhon Ratchasima a 2-1 set lead.

The Thai club had a narrow 12-11 lead in the fourth and final set before launching a 4-0 run that produced much-needed distance. Smith and local talents Sasipapron Janthawisut and Kaewkalaya Kamulthala provided key points, but Jiang Liwei of Baic Motors made an unforced mistake that increased the score to 16-11. Despite Lu Yufei’s best efforts to keep her team in the game with consecutive hits, Nakhon Ratchasima’s well-rounded offense and impressive finishing skills finally won the match.

In important statistical areas, the Thai side prevailed. They had a 9–6 block lead and scored 67 attack points compared to Baic Motor’s 50. Although they were vulnerable in their service game, giving up five aces while only landing one, they made up for it by converting 25 points from opponent errors, which was a lot more than the 19 points they lost.

With a triple-double that included 13 receptions, 12 outstanding digs, and 19 attacks and three blocks, Chantava led the scoring parade. Janthawisut maintained her impressive tournament performance with 14 markers, while Smith provided backup with 16 points and 13 digs. To complete a well-rounded attacking effort, middle blockers Kamulthala and Tichakorn Boonlert both contributed ten points.

Prior to defeating the Creamline Cool Smashers of the Philippines in the quarterfinals, Nakhon Ratchasima had previously won Pool D with an impeccable 2-0 record. They lost to Zhetysu VC in straight sets in the semifinals, which was a blow to their campaign, but they showed tenacity by coming back to place third.

Conversely, Baic Motor struggled to bounce back after their semifinal loss to VTV Bình Điền Long An. After a lackluster performance against the Vietnamese team, Jin Ye came back with 23 points and 14 digs, while Shan Lanfeng added 17 points and 11 digs. Despite Lu Yufei’s 13 points, eight digs, and eight receptions, their combined effort was unable to equal Nakhon Ratchasima’s speed and skill in the remaining two sets.

Baic Motor earned $5,000 for their fourth-place finish even though they missed the podium. With assistance from both domestic and foreign sponsors, such as Mikasa, Mizuno, Grand Sport, PLDT, MWell, Eagle Cement, Rebisco, Akari, Gameville, PNVF, PSC, Cignal, and The Look Group, the bronze medal match was a part of a well-supported tournament run by Sports Vision.