Zhetysu VC star Karyna Denysova had nothing but praise for the Filipino teams she faced during the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League.
Denysova shared that Premier Volleyball League squads Creamline and PLDT left a strong impression on her after their early encounters in the tournament.
The Kazakh club opened its Pool A campaign with a dominant straight-sets victory over Creamline, 25-16, 25-17, 25-17. They then dispatched the High Speed Hitters, 25-13, 25-22, 25-20, to book a well-earned ticket to the semifinals.
Facing Filipino squads on their home turf presented a different challenge for Zhetysu, and Denysova said she was grateful for the opportunity to experience the intense atmosphere and unwavering support from the local fans — a force that pushed her team to perform at their best.
“They’re really good, all teams. It’s different volleyball from what we usually play, and for us, it’s a new challenge and valuable experience,” Denysova said.
Beyond the court, Denysova also raved about her stay in the Philippines. She shared her admiration for the electric atmosphere, the warm reception from fans, and the outstanding hospitality shown by local organizers, making her first visit to the country truly unforgettable.
(C) PVL Images
“My experience here is really good. I like the atmosphere, the spectators are amazing — they created such an incredible energy. The preparation, the organization, the love for volleyball — I really like it here,” said Denysova.
“This is not my first experience playing internationally. I played in the Asian Championship in Kazakhstan, but this is my first time playing abroad, and my first time in the Philippines — and it has been really, really amazing for me.”
Now fully immersed in the tournament, Denysova is embracing every opportunity to learn and adapt to the different playing styles of teams from across the continent — an experience she believes will only help her team grow stronger.
“All teams here play different volleyball. It’s faster defense, faster sets, so of course it’s hard, but I stay really proud of my team because every ball is hard but they stay focused on each ball and come success before us,” said the 27-year-old winger.
“Like our coach said, we watch teams and do video some tactics, try to do and practice it. It wasn’t secret for us each team….”
Recently, Denysova and Zhetysu VC continued their strong run by sweeping Thailand’s Nakhon Ratchasima, 25-20, 25-21, 25-21, in the semifinals of the AVC Champions League.
The victory secured Zhetysu’s place in the knockout final, where they will face the winner of the other semifinal pairing between VTV Binh Dien Long An and Beijing Baic Motor.
With the win, the Kazakh club also clinched a spot in the 2025 FIVB Women’s Club World Championship later this year.
