Playing improved opponents, head coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet fielded the strongest lineup, including Tran Thi Thanh Thuy, Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen, Tran Thi Bich Thuy, Doan Thi Lam Oanh, Nguyen Khanh Dang, and Nguyen Thi Trinh.

Buoyed by passionate home crowd support at Ninh Binh Indoor Gymnasium, Vietnam dominated from the start. Key hitters like Thanh Thuy, Bich Tuyen, and Bich Thuy continuously scored, helping Vietnam cruise through the first set with a commanding 25-14 win.

In the second set, head coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet rotated the squad, giving opportunities to second-string players such as Vi Thi Nhu Quynh, Nguyen Thi Phuong, Hoang Thi Kieu Trinh, and Vo Thi Kim Thoa. Without Thanh Thuy, Bich Tuyen, or Lam Oanh on court, Vietnam struggled with cohesion, allowing the Philippines to surge ahead 18-14.

Vietnam gradually regained rhythm, equalising at 18-18 and again at 20-20. Bich Tuyen returned late in the set, immediately scoring two crucial points. Despite a spirited effort from the Philippines, pushing the score to 28-28, Vietnam edged out the set 30-28 in a thrilling finish.

Sticking with the second lineup in the third set, Vietnam looked more composed, while the Philippines seemed to lose momentum. The home team built a sizable lead, though the Philippines managed to fight back and level the score at 19-19. However, the Vietnamese players regrouped to close out the set 25-22, sealing a 3-0 overall victory.

In the other opening match on the same day, Thailand stunned Indonesia 3-0. As a result, both Vietnam and Thailand earned 3 points and currently share the top two spots in the group standings.

In the second matchday on August 9, Vietnam will face Indonesia at 4:00 p.m., while Thailand will take on the Philippines at 7:00 p.m.

Vietnam fall to hosts Thailand at SEA V.League 2025

VOV.VN - Despite pushing the match to a fifth set, Vietnam lost 2-3 to hosts Thailand in the final match of the first leg of the 2025 Southeast Asia Women’s Volleyball Championship (SEA V.League) on August 3.