MANILA, Philippines – In four sets—25-14, 20-25, 25-23, and 25-20—Kazakh Zhetysu VC defeated Vietnam’s VTV Bình Điền Long An to win the 2025 AVC Women’s Volleyball Champions League on Sunday night at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City, showcasing Kazakhstan’s dominance on the Asian volleyball scene.

With their size, depth, and system all working together, the Kazakh powerhouse put on a show that demonstrated their supremacy over the course of the eight-day competition. Zhetysu VC established itself as the best women’s club team in Asia this season with a flawless 5-0 run to win the championship and the $20,000 top prize.

Additionally, Zhetysu’s triumph secured them a spot in the esteemed FIVB Women’s Volleyball Club Championship, which will be held in Thailand in September. As the runner-up, VTV Bình Điền Long An also secured a place in the international competition.

Zhetysu VC dominated the first set of the final match, starting it off with lightning speed. The Vietnamese offensive was buried by the wall of resistance established by their well-organized frontline, which was directed by Valeriya Yakutina and Daria Sharhorodska. The Kazakhs’ approach was equally vicious, winning the opening set 25–14 with a combination of accurate sets and strong finishes.

The Vietnamese team resisted being overpowered in spite of the defeat. With aggressive attacks and enhanced service pressure, led by outside hitter Thi Nhu Quynh Vi and veteran scorer Tran Thi Thanh Thuy, VTV Bình Điền Long A turned the tide in the second set. They gained momentum and took the second set, 25–20, to tie the match because of their vigor and accuracy.

Both teams’ resolve was put to the test in the crucial third set. For the majority of the session, Long A kept a slight lead after getting off to a solid start. Vi offered defensive stability with her floor coverage, while Thuy was unrelenting at the net, piercing the Kazakh defense. However, Zhetysu’s championship calmness came into play when the set was level at 23-all. Yakutina’s soaring block and Vi’s expensive blunder turned the set in Zhetysu’s favor, 25-23, giving the Kazakhs the opportunity to regain control.

Zhetysu then confidently charged ahead in the fourth. Karyna Denysova, Yakutina, and Sharhorodska led a scorching 7-3 run that transformed a slim 12-10 advantage into a decisive 19-13 lead. The Vietnamese were forced into rushed plays and unforced mistakes by their well-balanced offense and impenetrable defense. Zhetysu held firm, ending the match and winning the title in 87 minutes, despite a late rally attempt by VTV Bình Điền Long An.

With a tournament-high 23 points, 10 outstanding digs, and five outstanding receptions, Denysova put on an incredible final performance. She was eventually recognized as one of the tournament’s Best Outside Hitters and Most Valuable players. Nikitina added 16 points and seven digs in a crucial supporting role, while Yakutina scored 12 points with four attacks and six crucial kill blocks. Sharhorodska scored eight points, including three service aces, and skillfully directed the team’s attack.

With Yuliia Dymar scoring nine points, six digs, and eight receptions, the entire Zhetysu team helped the team win. They overpowered a Long A team that had been strong all tournament with their supremacy at the net and their command of reception and transition passes.

With 28 points, six outstanding digs, and six receptions, Thuy stood out on the Vietnamese squad and worked tirelessly to keep her team within striking distance. Libero Khanh Dang Nguyen steadily covered the back row while Vi contributed 19 points and 10 digs. At the awards event, Thuy was chosen Best Opposite Spiker, Vi was named Best Outside Hitter, and Nguyen was crowned Best Libero in recognition of their efforts.

Other exceptional Dream Team members were also honored during the competition. In addition to Denysova, Zhetysu was represented by Yakutina (Best Middle Blocker) and Sharhorodska (Best Setter), while Tichakorn Boonklert of Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, took home the other Best Middle Blocker spot.

With Zhetysu’s victory, the AVC Women’s Champions League title was won by a Kazakh club for the sixth time, enhancing the nation’s standing as Asia’s dominant force in women’s volleyball.