Photo credit: PVL

There was no stopping the powerhouse squads of Zhetysu VC and Nakhon Ratchasima on Thursday as they bulldozed their way into the semifinals of the AVC Women’s Volleyball Champions League — all while ending the valiant campaigns of PLDT and Creamline in straight sets at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

Zhetysu VC: All Business, No Mercy

Kazakhstan’s Zhetysu VC showed no mercy against PLDT, dashing the High Speed Hitters’ semifinal hopes with a clinical 25-13, 25-22, 25-20 sweep. From the opening serve, it was clear the Kazakhs were in a different league — showcasing deadly precision, airtight net defense, and unstoppable firepower.

“We just fight for every ball,” said opposite hitter Tatyana Nikitina, who played like a woman on a mission, finishing with 19 points built on 14 attacks, four blocks, and an ace. Oh, and let’s not forget her six digs and two receptions — talk about all-around hustle.

Team captain Karyna Denysova chipped in 15 points, while Yulila Dymar added 11, including some crucial hits during the final stretch that sealed the deal. Even when PLDT tried to mount comebacks, particularly in the second and third sets, Zhetysu always had an answer — usually in the form of a well-timed block or a laser-sharp spike.

“I’m proud of my team,” said head coach Marko Gršić. “We were especially solid on the block today, and we deserved this win.”

And they really did. Zhetysu not only outhit PLDT 46-33 but also completely outclassed them in blocks, 12-3 — numbers that tell the whole story.

PLDT’s Brave Stand Falls Short

To their credit, PLDT didn’t go down without a fight. Savi Davison led the scoring for the High Speed Hitters with 13 points, while Wilma Salas had 11. Kath Arado, as always, was the defensive glue, collecting 17 digs and six excellent receptions.

They even led late in the second set and came within a point in the third, but Zhetysu’s composure proved too much. A couple of Denysova misfires gave PLDT a window, but it was quickly slammed shut by Dymar and Yakutina, who spearheaded a 5-1 finishing run.

Nakhon Ratchasima Outguns Creamline

In the second game, Nakhon Ratchasima QminC of Thailand turned up the heat and shut down the Creamline Cool Smashers in another straight-sets affair, 25-15, 25-22, 25-16.

Veteran Onuma Sittirak and American star Anysee Smith were in sync from the jump, combining power with precision as they led the Devil Cat’s charge. Smith had 13 points, while Sittirak contributed 12 — all from attacks.

Creamline, to their credit, came out swinging in the second set. The Cool Smashers even led by four points at one point, spurred on by the cheers of a supportive home crowd. But the Thais were simply too composed. A mini-run sparked by Sasipapron Janthawisut turned the tide, and Nakhon never looked back.

Janthawisut herself was stellar off the bench, finishing with a double-double — 12 points and 12 digs — while the rest of the Thai squad added depth and energy, especially in the final set where they pulled away for good.

Cool Smashers Leave with Heads Held High

While Creamline bowed out of the tournament, they showed plenty of fight and flashes of brilliance against one of Asia’s top clubs. Russian reinforcement Anastasiya Kudryashova tallied nine points, while Bernadeth Pons added eight. Jema Galanza and company had their moments, but it just wasn’t enough.

Despite the straight-set loss, Creamline can walk away with pride after showing they can hold their own on the international stage.
All Eyes on the Semis: Zhetysu vs. Nakhon Ratchasima
With both Zhetysu and Nakhon Ratchasima sweeping their respective groups and quarterfinal matchups, Saturday’s semifinal clash is shaping up to be an epic showdown between two unbeaten juggernauts. A finals berth — and a shot at the FIVB Women’s Club World Championship — is at stake.

If their quarterfinal dominance is any indication, expect fireworks. Neither side has dropped a set so far — but only one will stay perfect.

Let the battle begin.