MANILA — Vietnam shocked 13th-ranked Belgium to win the bronze medal in the FIVB Women’s Challenger Cup at Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Manila, on Sunday (07 July 2024).
Thi Bich Tuyen Nguyen led the charge with 35 points, helping Vietnam secure a 25-23, 23-25, 25-20, 25-17 victory.
The 6-foot-1 opposite hitter, who plays for LPBank Ninh Binh, was instrumental in the win, contributing 11 attacks in the first set and nine in the second.
Middle blocker Thi Trinh Nguyen added 10 attacks, while captain Thi Thanh Thuy Tran contributed with five attacks, a block, and an ace.
“I’m very happy about this win and very proud of my teammates. We have a good connection and did well today,” Tran said.
Belgium’s Manon Stragier led her team with 14 points, with contributions from opposite Pauline Martin and middle blocker Britt Fransen, scoring 13 and 11 points respectively. Belgium had previously lost to Puerto Rico in the semifinals.
Vietnam’s bronze victory comes after eliminating host Alas Pilipinas and losing to the Czech Republic in the semifinals. They also won the Asian Volleyball Confederation Challenge Cup in May.
The gold medal match between Puerto Rico and the Czech Republic was ongoing at the time of posting, with the winner set to qualify for next year’s Volleyball Nations League.
(el Amigo/mnm)
