Vietnam is just one win away from securing back-to-back AVC Challenge Cup titles after triumphing in straight sets against Australia at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Tuesday, May 28.
Vietnam is back in the Finals of the AVC Challenge Cup after overpowering Australia in the semifinals, 25-21, 25-19, 25-16, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila on Tuesday, May 28.
On the backs of Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen and Tran Tu Linh, Vietnam pushed to a 16-8 lead in the deciaive third set and never looked back.
Needing just two more points to seal the Finals-clinching victory, Le Thanh Thuy calmly tipped her attack in, which Australia failed to receive.
And while the Volleyroos managed to score a point after that, Bich Tuyen connected on an off-the-block hit which sent Vietnam back to the Finals of the Challenge Cup for the second consecutive year.
Blocking remained key for Australia to keep them close against Vietnam, outsourcing the defending champions by 10 points to one.
However, service aces became a major factor in the Vietnamese victory as they outscored the Australians 10-6 in that skill, with Tuyen and Linh accounting for three scores each.
Tuyen finished with 24 points on 21 attacks and three service aces, while Linh added 13 markers. Vietnam also got contributions from almost every player that was fielded in the semis match.
“The first set Vietnam had a slow start and took a while to get to the swing of things but for then on, we’re fortunate to get a win in the match,” Tuyen told her translator.
Caitlin Tipping was the lone double-digit scorer for Australia with 20 points. Next to her was Kara Inskip with just six markers.
Vietnam will now await the winner between the Philippines and Kazakhstan which will be the final game of the day at 7:00 p.m.