Vietnam's top assistant explodes, Duc Giang Chemicals Lao Cai brilliantly defeats the reigning champion of Vietnamese volleyball.

The clash between HCĐG Lao Cai and VTV Binh Dien Long An in the 2026 National Championship delivered one of the most dramatic comeback performances of the season, with an impressive victory claimed by the chemical industry's team.

Despite trailing by two sets, the team under coach Nguyen Huu Ha resiliently overturned the match situation to secure a 3-2 victory with scores of 16-25, 21-25, 25-23, 25-17, and 18-16, marking their third impressive win.

Right from the opening set, VTV Binh Dien Long An clearly demonstrated the stature of the reigning champion. Setter Kim Thoa flexibly orchestrated the ball, continuously creating opportunities for both wing and middle attackers. Solid blocking and sharp counter-attacks helped the Western team quickly establish a gap. Although Bich Thuy from HCĐG Lao Cai still performed prominently with quick attacks from the assistant position, unevenness left this team disadvantaged. VTV Binh Dien Long An concluded the first set with a 25-16 victory.

The second set unfolded with a similar scenario. HCĐG Lao Cai attempted to improve their first-step and organize more varied attacks, yet still struggled against the opponent's tight defensive system. Kim Thoa continued to be the "brain" in Long An's gameplay, constantly stretching the block line to create space for main attackers to finish. Stability in both offense and defense allowed VTV Binh Dien Long An to win another 25-21, advancing to a 2-0 lead and moving very close to victory.

However, the turning point emerged from the third set. HCĐG Lao Cai began playing more daringly, pushing the pace higher and effectively utilizing Bich Thuy's quick strikes. The chemical industry team's block also operated efficiently, continuously pressuring Long An's attacking points.

Meanwhile, VTV Binh Dien Long An showed signs of slackening, committing first-step errors and lacking precision in finishing. The two teams created an extremely tense tug-of-war, and at the decisive final points, HCĐG Lao Cai capitalized well on opportunities to win 25-23, thereby pushing the match into the fourth set.

Elevated morale helped HCĐG Lao Cai explode in the fourth set. Difficult serves disrupted Long An's first-step, leading to an unpolished attacking system. Bich Thuy and her teammates played with full confidence, continuously scoring points and building a large gap. Coach Ngoc Hoa made personnel adjustments, but the reigning champion still faced numerous difficulties against an opponent playing with high excitement. HCĐG Lao Cai won decisively 25-16, equalizing the score at 2-2 and sending the match into the deciding set.

The fifth set unfolded as a truly breathless affair. The two teams chased each point with high-quality exchanges. VTV Binh Dien Long An strove to regain control, but HCĐG Lao Cai displayed an extremely strong competitive spirit. Bich Thuy continued to play a leading role in decisive situations, while the blocking line of coach Nguyen Huu Ha's team repeatedly successfully neutralized the opponent's attacks. After a prolonged series of tense points, HCĐG Lao Cai seized the opportunity well to close the set with a score of 18-16.

The 3-2 victory over the reigning champion not only showcased HCĐG Lao Cai's resilience but also affirmed Bich Thuy's prominent role in the team's overall play. Meanwhile, VTV Binh Dien Long An started very well but lost rhythm and allowed the opponent to reverse the situation. HCĐG Lao Cai's victory once again demonstrates the fierce competitiveness of the 2026 National Championship.