Kaohsiung Taipower wasted no time asserting its dominance in the 2025 AVC Women’s Club Volleyball Championship, dismantling Hong Kong’s Hip Hing in a commanding 25-10, 25-16, 25-14 sweep on Sunday morning, April 20, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

The nine-time Top Volleyball League champions from Taiwan immediately took the solo lead in Pool B with a 1-0 record, unleashing a well-rounded offensive performance that overwhelmed the Hong Kong Women’s Volleyball League titleholders.

Peng, Tsai Power Taipower Attack

Peng Yu-Rou led the charge with 16 points off 15 kills, showcasing her attacking versatility and control. Tsai Yu-Chun added 11 points built around eight sharp spikes, while Hsu Wan-Yun chipped in seven.

Captain Huang Ching Hsuan scored six markers, with middle blockers Hu Xiao-Pei and Pao Yin-Chi contributing five points each in a display of Taipower’s balanced firepower.

“It’s important for me as a volleyball player to gain this kind of experience. It also [matters] that our team gets to experience participating in a tournament like this,” said setter Hung Chia-Yao, who finished with two points, 10 excellent digs, and consistent ball distribution.

Relentless Pressure from Start to Finish

Taipower showed no signs of rust in its debut, dominating the first set and keeping the pressure on in the next two frames. The Taiwanese side surged ahead in Set 2 from a narrow 9-6 edge to a 19-10 blowout, leaving Hip Hing scrambling for answers.

In the third set, Taipower built a 14-6 lead behind quick attacks and sharp crosscourt kills. Hsu, Lin, Hu, and Peng delivered a series of unanswered blows before closing the match with an off-speed hit and two down-the-line missiles.

“It is a new experience in our life and we can [have] many learnings in other countries like how they play volleyball and for our communication also,” said Hu, reflecting on the team’s international exposure.

Petro Gazz Awaits

Kaohsiung Taipower will face a tougher challenge on Monday at 4 p.m. when it takes on the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference champions Petro Gazz.

On the other side, Hip Hing had no player reach double figures. Pang Wing Lam led the Hong Kong squad with seven points, while setter Fung Tsz Yan had four. The team will try to rebound on Tuesday against Petro Gazz at 7 p.m.

The eight-day tournament is supported by Mikasa, Mizuno, and Grand Sport, with local partners including PLDT, MWell, Eagle Cement, Rebisco, Akari, Gameville, PNVF, PSC, Cignal, and The Look Group.