AVC: Zhetysu sweeps Nakhon to reach Champions League Final

Kazakhstan’s Zhetysu VC during the AVC Women’s Champions League semifinals. –PVL PHOTO

Kazakhstan’s Zhetysu VC muscled past Thailand’s Nakhon Ratchasima in straight sets, 25-20, 25-21, 25-21, to punch its ticket to the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League Final Saturday at Philsports Arena in Pasig.

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Relying on their size and firepower, the nine-time Kazakhstan Women’s National League champions extended their unbeaten run to four matches — all straight-set victories.

The win also secured Zhetysu a slot in the 2025 FIVB Women’s Club World Championship in September in Thailand.

“We knew (Nakhon Ratchasima) is a very strong team with a lot of experienced players,” said Zhetysu head coach Marko Grsic. “But today, bravo to my team because they were very brave. They concentrated on the task. I’m very happy because we’re going to play in our first Asian Champions League final.”

READ: AVC: Creamline’s semifinals hopes dashed with Nakhon sweep

Ukrainian import Karyna Denysova led the way once again, delivering 14 points — all from powerful attacks — and adding nine excellent digs to showcase her two-way game.

Yuliia Dymar chipped in 12 points along with seven digs and seven receptions, while towering middle blocker Valeriya Yakutina powered through with 12 points, highlighted by a match-high seven kill blocks and an ace.

Thailand’s Nakhon Ratchasima during the AVC Women’s Champions League. –PVL PHOTO

Tatyana Nikitina contributed nine points, Kristina Anikonova added seven, and Mariya Syrygina helped stabilize the defense with 10 digs.

Zhetysu controlled the match early, racing to a 7-3 advantage in the third set and pulling away 17-10 behind Dymar’s blazing attack to shut the door on the Thai champions.

The loss ended a promising run for Nakhon Ratchasima, which swept its group stage assignments but struggled against Zhetysu’s imposing frontline when it mattered most.

Anyse Smith paced Nakhon Ratchasima with 12 points, while veteran Onuma Sittirak tallied 11 points and 15 digs. Sasipapron Janthawisut added nine points, 11 digs, and 13 receptions.

Zhetysu will face the winner of the Beijing Baic Motor–VTV Binh Dien Long An semifinal for the title and another FIVB World Championship berth.