Kazakhstan powerhouse Zhetysu VC punched their ticket to the finals of the 2025 AVC Women’s Challenge Cup, overpowering Thailand’s Nakhon Ratchasima in a straight-set thriller, 25-20, 25-21, 25-21, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Relying on their towering height and relentless firepower, the nine-time Kazakhstan Women’s National League champions dominated across all fronts, extending their undefeated run to four straight-set victories in the tournament supported by Mikasa, Mizuno, and Grand Sport.

“This was a very important and brave performance from my team,” said Zhetysu head coach Marko Grsic. “Nakhon Ratchasima is very strong, but today my players stayed focused and executed perfectly. I’m very proud because this will be our first Asian Champions League final.”

The win also earned Zhetysu a prized berth at the 2025 FIVB World Women’s Volleyball Club Championship this September in Thailand.

Leading the charge was Ukrainian import Karyna Denysova, who delivered 14 points, all from vicious attacks, and added nine excellent digs. Yuliia Dymar chipped in 12 points, backed by strong floor defense with seven digs and seven receptions. At the net, the imposing Valeriya Yakutina towered over her opponents, tallying 12 points including a match-high seven kill blocks and an ace.

Tatyana Nikitina and Kristina Anikonova added key contributions with nine and seven points respectively, while Mariya Syrygina anchored Zhetysu’s defense with 10 excellent digs.

After controlling the first two sets, Zhetysu raced to a 7-3 lead in the third and pulled away behind Dymar’s explosive attacks, sealing the Thai champions’ fate.

Nakhon Ratchasima, which swept the group stages, struggled against Zhetysu’s size and speed when it mattered most. Anyse Smith led the Thai side with 12 points, while veteran star Onuma Sittirak and Sasipapron Janthawisut delivered valiant efforts but couldn’t turn the tide.

The eight-day tournament, organized by Sports Vision and supported by partners including PLDT, MWell, Eagle Cement, Rebisco, and Cignal, wraps up Sunday. Zhetysu will face the winner of the Beijing Baic Motor–VTV Binh Dien Long An semifinal for the title—and another ticket to the FIVB World Championship.