The 2025 SEALECT Cup women's volleyball tournament, held from September 16 to 21 in Thailand, ended with VTV Bình Điền Long An placing 5th overall. Making their first appearance in this event, the team from the Mekong Delta underwent a journey full of highs and lows, from the thrill of victories to the setbacks of defeats, but most importantly, they gained invaluable experience to prepare for the upcoming second phase of the National Championship.
In their opening match, VTV Bình Điền Long An faced Thammasat University. Led by coach Nguyễn Thị Ngọc Hoa, the team played in unison and achieved a convincing 3-0 victory (25-19, 25-18, 25-18). This marked Ngọc Hoa’s first win as head coach, bringing excitement to the whole team and confirming a positive start in the international competition.
Immediately after, coach Ngọc Hoa’s team encountered PEA Sisaket, one of Thailand’s top clubs. Despite their efforts, the difference in experience and competitive composure caused VTV Bình Điền Long An to suffer a 0-3 defeat (18-25, 13-25, 8-25). This was a valuable lesson, showing the gap young players must strive to close when competing against internationally seasoned teams.
In the knockout stage, the Long An team met Supreme VC, the tournament’s favorite. Facing opponents with many Thai national team players, the Vietnamese girls played with determination but failed to cause an upset, losing 0-3 (21-25, 19-25, 20-25). Exiting at the quarterfinals, the team then moved to compete for positions 5 through 8.
Participating in the 2025 SEALECT Cup provided many useful lessons for VTV Bình Điền Long An before returning to Vietnam for the second round of the 2025 National Championship. Photo: Hải Đường
Not giving up after the loss, VTV Bình Điền Long An entered the final classification match against KKC Khonkean Star. This was an impressive display by coach Ngọc Hoa’s players, as the entire team started focused and showed resilience during critical points.
After winning the first set 29-27, the team kept up their momentum and won the next two sets 25-18, 25-21, finishing the match with a 3-0 victory. This result secured VTV Bình Điền Long An’s 5th place finish at the 2025 SEALECT Cup.
Finishing 5th is not the ultimate goal, but the SEALECT Cup journey gave VTV Bình Điền Long An valuable experience. Young players such as Trịnh Huỳnh Bảo Ngọc, Nguyễn Lan Vy, and Tào Khánh My were given opportunities to compete and adapt to the international pace.
Moreover, the coaching staff had the chance to evaluate player abilities, adjust strategies, and test the lineup, creating an important foundation for future domestic competitions.
With less than a month remaining, the second round of the 2025 National Championship will begin in Ninh Bình. Based on the gains from the SEALECT Cup, VTV Bình Điền Long An will definitely learn many lessons to improve their playing style, enhance their competitive spirit, and prepare to contend in the national tournament.
The 2025 SEALECT Cup can be regarded as a significant stepping stone, helping the VTV Bình Điền Long An women's volleyball team build greater resilience and confidence for the journey ahead.