Zhetysu Volleyball triumphs at 2025 AVC Women's Champions League

Kazakhstan’s Zhetysu Volleyball Club completed a flawless campaign at the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League, emerging as champions after a 3-1 victory, 25-14, 20-25, 25-23, 25-18, over Vietnam’s VTV Binh Dien Long An in the gold medal match held Sunday, April 27, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Zhetysu, the nine-time Kazakhstan Women’s National League champions, showcased their dominance throughout the tournament, going undefeated and dropping just one set—the second frame of the final—on their way to the title.

The Kazakh squad showcased their firepower and height advantage, out-blocking the Vietnamese side 15-2 and delivering 10 service aces to just one from their opponents. The match lasted 87 minutes.

Leading the charge was outside hitter Kryna Denysova, who delivered 23 points built from 21 attacks, one block, and one ace, including 10 excellent digs, and five receptions. Denysova was named the Most Valuable Player and Best Outside Hitter of the tournament.

She was joined on the AVC Dream Team by teammates Valeriya Yakutina (Best Middle Blocker), who added 12 markers with six kill blocks in the final, and Daria Sharhorodska (Best Setter). Tatyana Nikitina added 16 points, while Yuliia Dymar contributed the title-clinching spike and solid all-around play.

Despite the loss, Binh Dien Long An earned a berth in the FIVB Women’s Club World Championship alongside Zhetysu. 

Vietnamese star Tran Thi Thanh Thuy scored a game-high 28 points and was named Best Opposite Spiker, while teammate Thi Nhu Quynh Vi received the other Best Outside Hitter award. Khanh Dang Nguyen rounded out the Vietnamese accolades as Best Libero.

In the bronze medal match, Thailand’s Nakhon Ratchasima defeated China’s Beijing Baic Motor, 25-21, 21-25, 25-21, 25-19. Greek import Eva Chantava led the Thai squad with 22 markers, while Anyse Marlee Smith added 16.