Nakhon Ratchasima QminC made a commanding statement in its tournament debut, sweeping Queensland in dominant fashion, 25-10, 25-16, 25-12, to secure a spot in the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League, Monday at the Philsports Arena.
The Thai powerhouse’s emphatic performance earned them a share of the lead in Pool D alongside PLDT, with both teams holding identical 1-0 records — enough to secure their places in the next round of the tournament, which is supported by federation partners Mikasa, Mizuno, and Grand Sport.
After lopsided results in the opening two sets, Queensland showed brief signs of life in the third, staying within striking distance at 9-10 following a service error from Sasipapron Janthawisut.
But Nakhon Ratchasima — known as the Devil Cat — quickly regained control, unleashing a blistering 10-0 run behind the efforts of Greek import Evangelia Chantava and middle blocker Tichakorn Boonlert. The surge pushed the lead to 20-9 and effectively slammed the door on the Australian squad.
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American opposite hitter Anyse Smith spearheaded the attack with 13 points and five excellent digs, while Chantava provided ample support with 12 points built on nine attacks, two blocks, and an ace in this tournament supported by local partners including PLDT, MWell, Eagle Cement, Rebisco, Akari, Gameville, PNVF, PSC, Cignal, and The Look Group.
“I feel like our game, we came out on fire, we did what we needed to do, and we all believed in each other and we got the victory,” said Smith after the match.
“We just had a game plan from the start — to make sure that we all did our part and contribute what we can. We wanted to really focus on our serves today and I feel like we did great serving and it was just a great game to me,” she added.
Janthawisut chipped in eight points and six excellent receptions, while Kaewkalaya Kamulthala added five markers. Sirima Manakij and Boonlert also scored four points each for Nakhon Ratchasima.
The Devil Cat and the High Speed Hitters will face off for Pool D supremacy on Tuesday at 4:00 PM, still at the Philsports Arena.
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Meanwhile, Queensland — who also fell to PLDT in straight sets (19-25, 12-25, 12-25) the day before — became the first team eliminated from the 12-team tournament organized by Sports Vision, wrapping up pool play with a 0-2 record.
Scarlett Rudder led the Pirates with eight points, scoring on four attacks and four kill blocks, while Lilyana Stanojevic also finished with eight markers.
