Czechia sets up Challenger Cup final vs Puerto Rico for VNL spot

Czechia celebrates a point against Vietnam during a FIVB Challenger Cup game. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — A new Volleyball Nations League participant will debut next year as Czechia and Puerto Rico clash in the gold medal match of the FIVB Women’s Volleyball Challenger Cup on Sunday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Czechia sent Vietnam crashing with a dominant 25-19, 25-14, 25-19 win in the Challenger Cup knockout semifinal on Saturday.

Gabriela Orvosova poured in 16 points built on 13 kills, two aces, and a block to lead the collective effort of the Czechs, who drew contributions from Helena Havelkova and Ela Koulisiani scoring 13 and 11 points, respectively.

READ: FIVB Challenger Cup: Puerto Rico reaches final for first time

“I’m really happy that we won it was a different style of volleyball [facing Vietnam] so we showed a team effort,” said Orvosova

Katerina Valkova dished out 21 excellent sets as Czechia outwitted Vietnam in spiking, 46-31, while Magdalena Jehlarova led their block party of 13 kills blocks with five to finish with 10 points.

Czechia and Puerto Rico have yet to play in the VNL. They fight for the lone ticket at 6:30 p.m.

READ: FIVB Challenger Cup: Czechia sweeps Argentina for semis berth

“I hope we’re gonna play the same volleyball as today like enjoy the game and play as a team. We will see how will it be, we will do video [scouting before the game],” Magdalena Bukovska said.

Thi Bich Tuyen Nguyen, who erupted for 30 points to eliminate Alas Pilipinas in the quarterfinal, was limited to just 12 points on 12-of-33 attacking clip. Trần Thị Thanh Thúy contributed nine points.

Vietnam, which swept the AVC Challenge Cup, plays in the bronze medal match against Belgium at 3 p.m. on Sunday.