National University-Monolith displayed great promise and heart, forcing a fifth set after going down two sets — but ultimately, it was the hometown heroes who advanced to the semifinals.
The Sky Risers’ comeback efforts were dashed by Nakhon Ratchasima in a five-set thriller, 13-25, 21-25, 25-20, 25-22, 5-15, in the crossover quarterfinals of the 2024 Asian Women’s Club Volleyball Championship on Thursday at Chathai Hall in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
(C) AVC
After dominating the third and fourth sets, NU-Monolith’s reverse sweep aspirations were quickly shut down as QminC never looked back in the decisive fifth set, igniting a commanding 12-5 run to close the match, capped by back-to-back blocks from Tran Thi Bich Thuy.
The Sky Risers’ trio of Alyssa Solomon, Vange Alinsug, and Erin Pangilinan fired off three consecutive attacks to force a fifth set duel with the reigning Women’s Volleyball Thailand League champions.
Unlike their narrow second set defeat, NU-Monolith did not squander another strong start, as a crosscourt hit by Solomon, a block by Chamma Maaya, and an attack error by middle blocker Chitaporn Kamlangmak sealed the Sky Risers’ third set triumph.
Sasipapron Janthawisut fueled Nakhon Ratchasima’s five-set escape with 25 points, built on 23 attacks, while Markenzie Benoit and Katarina Pilepic chipped in 17 points apiece.
(C) AVC
Meanwhile, Solomon paced the Sky Risers in the losing effort with 22 points on 21 attacks, while reigning UAAP MVP Bella Belen contributed 17 points on 15 attacks and two blocks.
With the loss, NU-Monolith is relegated to the classification phase of the tournament. They will face the loser of the quarterfinal matchup between reigning Japan V.League champion NEC and Hong Kong’s Kwai Tsing later at 8 p.m.
The classification round for 5th to 8th place will begin tomorrow, Sept. 27, at the same venue.
