Vietnam U18 cruise past Mongolia to keep Asian top five hopes alive
VOV.VN - Vietnam defeated Mongolia in straight sets to secure a place in the fifth-place playoff at the 2026 AVC Girls' U18 Volleyball Championship in Thailand on July 6, keeping alive its bid for a top-five finish after an impressive showing against defending champions China.
The victory guarantees Vietnam a place among the tournament’s top six teams, with one more match remaining to determine fifth place.
Vietnam entered the classification match buoyed by a spirited performance against defending champions China in the quarter-finals. Although they lost 3-1, head coach Nguyen Thi Ngoc Hoa's side surprised many observers by taking the third set 25-20, highlighting the rapid progress of Vietnam’s youth programme against one of Asia’s strongest volleyball powerhouses.
Facing lower-ranked opponents Mongolia, Ngoc Hoa rotated her squad, giving valuable playing time to reserves including Mai Quynh, Kim Thu and Bui Huyen, while several regular starters were rested. Despite the changes, Vietnam controlled the match from the outset.
Strong serving from setter Huyen Trang, efficient attacking by Mai Quynh and solid defensive work from libero Le Hang helped Vietnam dominate the opening set 25-12.
Vietnam maintained their momentum in the second set, with their blocking proving especially effective. Although Mongolia briefly narrowed the gap, Vietnam converted their opportunities to claim the set 25-18.
The third set proved more competitive as Mongolia capitalised on Vietnam’s continued squad rotation to stay level for much of the contest. However, after Huyen Trang returned to the court, Vietnam regained control in the closing stages before sealing a 25-22 victory to complete a straight-sets win.
Vietnam will next face the winners of the match between Indonesia and Kazakhstan in the fifth-place playoff, scheduled for July 7.
A victory would see Vietnam finish among the top five teams in Asia, capping an encouraging campaign highlighted by a strong performance against China and a convincing win over Mongolia.
The tournament hosted by the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) from July 1 to 7 features 16 teams divided into four groups. The top four finishers will progress through to the 2027 FIVB Volleyball Girls' U19 World Championship.
Vietnam's U18 girls fall to China in AVC volleyball quarter-finals
VOV.VN - Vietnam suffered a 3-1 defeat to defending champions China in the quarter-finals of the 2026 AVC Girls' U18 Volleyball Championship held in Thailand on July 5.
