Zhetysu VS Korat | HIGHLIGHTS | Semi Final | AVC Champions League 2025

Zhetysu VS Korat | HIGHLIGHTS | Semi Final | AVC Champions League 2025. Kazakhstan’s Zhetysu VC muscled past Thailand’s Nakhon Ratchasima in a straight-set but tightly contested match, 25-20, 25-21, 25-21, on Saturday to secure a breakthrough finals berth in the 2025 AVC Women’s Challenge Cup at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

Ukrainian import Karyna Denysova once again showed the way for Zhetysu, pumping in 14 points – all from powerful attacks – while adding nine excellent digs to underscore her two-way prowess.

Yuliia Dymar added 12 points along with seven excellent digs and seven receptions, while the towering Valeriya Yakutina imposed her will at the net with 12 points built on four attacks, a match-high seven kill blocks, and an ace – highlighting Zhetysu’s significant height advantage over their Thai rivals.

Tatyana Nikitina contributed nine points, while Kristina Anikonova finished with seven. Mariya Syrygina helped anchor Zhetysu’s floor defense with 10 excellent digs.

After controlling the first two sets, Zhetysu raced to a commanding 7-3 lead in the third frame and widened the gap to 17-10 behind Dymar’s blistering attack, effectively sealing Nakhon Ratchasima’s fate.

Anyse Smith paced the Thai champions with 12 points on 10 attacks and two blocks. Veteran Onuma Sittirak tallied 11 points and 15 excellent digs, while Sasipapron Janthawisut chipped in nine points, 11 digs, and 13 receptions.