Tran Thi Thanh Thuy made her return for the Vietnam women's national volleyball team, as they defeated Alas Pilipinas in the 2024 FIVB Women’s Challenger Cup.
In just about two months, Vietnam is back once more in the Philippines to compete in the 2024 FIVB Women’s Challenger Cup.
This time around, Vietnam’s ace Tran Thi Thanh Thuy--more commonly known as T4--finally made her return to the national team as she suited up against Alas Pilipinas.
[ALSO READ: Vietnamese star T4 back in the Philippines for AVC Challenge Cup, but sits out opening win against Hong Kong]
T4 contributed two points in Vietnam’s sweep of the Philippines to advance to the knockout semifinals of the tournament.
[ALSO READ: Alas Pilipinas fall short versus Vietnam, bows out of 2024 FIVB Women's Volleyball Challenger Cup]
After the match, T4 admitted feeling nervous in her first game back after dealing with a knee injury.
“Before the match, [I’m] a little scared. Because playing in the Philippines, you have the audience very enthusiastic, [so] I’m very nervous. So we have to try to relax, focus, and enjoy the game,” bared the Vietnamese skipper.
“I feel [a] little nervous when I get back because I’m not in my 100 percent. So I just try my best to have fun again for the team,” she added.
Despite still finding her form, the Vietnamese squad leaned on opposite hitter Thi Bich Tuyen Nguyen, who starred in the match with 30 points.
The Vietnamese star, though, had nothing but praises for Alas, more notably team captain and setter Jia de Guzman.
“[The] Philippines’ performance is very well because they have [a] good connection with the setter [Jia de Guzman],” said Than Thuy.
“[It was] a very interesting match-up because she played in Japan, and she played a lot. So I think it was a good match,” she added.
T4 and Vietnam will look to advance to the Finals as they face Czechia tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. It will air on One Sports+ and the Pilipinas Live app.