With a semifinals berth on the line, Zhetysu shut the door on PLDT’s campaign in dominant fashion, scoring a commanding 25-13, 25-22, 25-20 sweep to eliminate the High Speed Hitters from contention in the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League on Thursday afternoon at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
The Kazakh side imposed its will early with a dominant first-set performance, then displayed composure in the next two frames to punch its ticket to the semifinals of the continental tournament, which is backed by Mikasa, Mizuno, and Grand Sport.
Zhetysu is now set to face the winner of the 7:00 PM clash between Philippine representative Creamline and Thai powerhouse Nakhon Ratchasima in the crossover semifinals on Saturday, April 26, at the same venue.
(C) PVL Images
“I’m very happy because we won today, because I expected that the Philippines will fight. After the first set, they would not just give up, and we were ready for that. I’m very glad because my team was very good today, especially in block, and I think we deserve this win,” said Zhetysu head coach Marko Grsic.
A late error by team captain Karyna Denysova allowed PLDT to close the gap to 20-19 in the third set, but the Kazakhs regained control. They went on a game-clinching 5-1 run — capped by back-to-back attacks from Yuliia Dymar and a quick hit by Valeriya Yakutina — to book their spot in the next round.
The event is also supported by local partners PLDT, MWell, Eagle Cement, Rebisco, Akari, Gameville, PNVF, PSC, Cignal, and the Look Group.
After a lopsided opening frame, the High Speed Hitters showed signs of life in the second set, clawing back from a 16-20 deficit to take a brief 21-20 lead, highlighted by a block from Cuban wing spiker Wima Salas and a quick attack from Dell Palomata.
But Zhetysu quickly responded, launching a crucial 5-1 counterattack — powered by two key blocks from Yakutina on Salas and a crosscourt kill from Dymar — to secure a two-set advantage in the tournament organized by Sports Vision.
The Kazakhs, with their significant height advantage, ruled the net and dominated the defensive front, finishing with 12 blocks compared to PLDT’s three.
Tatyana Nikitina led the way for Zhetysu with a stellar all-around performance, scoring 19 points off 14 attacks, four blocks, and one ace, while also recording six excellent digs and two excellent receptions. Denysova added 15 points on 13 attacks and two blocks, along with six digs.
Dymar contributed 11 points and eight excellent digs, while Kristina Anikonova and Yakutina chipped in nine and eight points, respectively.
(C) PVL Images
PLDT entered the quarterfinals with high hopes after a hard-fought five-set win over Nakhon Ratchasima last Tuesday. But their dream run came to a halt as they officially bowed out of the race for one of two Asian slots in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s Club World Championships.
2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference Best Outside Spiker Savi Davison led PLDT in the loss with 13 points on 12 attacks and added nine excellent digs. Salas followed with 11 points on nine attacks and two blocks, along with six excellent digs.
Palomata chipped in seven points on six attacks and a block, while Kianna Dy added five points and five digs.
Team captain Kath Arado, who notched 28 excellent digs against Nakhon Ratchasima, continued her solid form with 17 excellent digs and six excellent receptions.
