Nakhon Ratchasima QminC put on a show of force and cohesion at the Philsports Arena in Pasig on Thursday, fending off a spirited challenge from Creamline in the second set before hammering out a 25-15, 25-22, 25-16 victory to clinch the second semifinal berth in the AVC Women’s Volleyball Champions League.
After cruising through the opening set with surgical precision, the Thai powerhouse, which topped Pool D, weathered a gritty stand and a four-point deficit in the second frame, showcasing its hallmark firepower and rock-solid teamwork to seize control and ultimately secure a straight-set win.
“We’re going to prepare for the semifinals, we have so many mistakes also about our service, our reception. We will go to practice and prepare for the semifinals,” said veteran Onuma Sittirak after the win.
However, the Thai squad’s counterattack was clinical – launching a vicious 4-0 run as Sasipapron Janthawisut came off the bench to spark the run that shifted the momentum irreversibly.
Though Creamline clawed to within two at 21-23, a service error by Jorella de Jesus brought the Thais to set point. The Cool Smashers briefly extended the frame with a crosscourt hit, but the Thais sealed the set with a clean hit down the line, giving Nakhon Ratchasima a commanding two-set lead.
In the third, Creamline kept it close at 9-10, but the Thais unloaded a scorching 7-2 run built on a blend of blistering attacks and impenetrable blocks – further highlighting their depth and chemistry. Creamline's errors compounded its woes, allowing the Thai club to pull away decisively.
Sittirak came up with 12 points, all from attacks, and finished with five excellent digs and six excellent receptions, while Janthawisut posted a double-double game of 12 points and 12 excellent digs on top of five excellent receptions.
Tichakorn Boonlert and Kaewkalaya Kamulthala chipped in nine points apiece for the Devil Cat.
Guest player Anastasiya Kudryashova and Pons led Creamline with nine and eight points, respectively. The Russian winger added eight excellent digs while the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference MVP had four excellent digs and six excellent receptions.
But it was the Thai side’s unmatched firepower and cohesion that ultimately spelled the difference and booked them a knockout semis clash with Kazakhstan’s Zhetysu VC on Saturday.
