Beijing Baic Motor shook off a shaky start to dominate Saipa Tehran in straight sets, 28-26, 25-22, 25-19, kicking off its 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League campaign with an impressive win on Sunday at the Philsports Arena.
Despite missing key players due to national team duties and fielding only 10, Baic Motor, the tournament's highest-ranked club at No. 5, showcased its depth and resilience. The Chinese side battled through a tense opening set and a gritty second frame before cruising in the third to secure an early lead in Pool C.
“We’re missing a couple of players because of the national team, so we’re trying our best and working really hard to win,” said head coach Kuang Qi through an interpreter. “It’s the first match so they were a little nervous, but I’m happy with the result.”
The win mirrored Taipower’s dominant straight-sets performance in Pool B earlier in the day.
Jin Ye led Baic Motor with an all-around masterclass, finishing with 16 points from 14 attacks and two blocks, along with 13 excellent digs and six excellent receptions. Shan Lanfeng added 15 points and 11 digs, while Lu Yufei also tallied 15 points and 10 digs.
Shen Hongyi and Tian Yue chipped in with seven and five points, respectively.
After a struggle in the first set and enduring a tough challenge in the next, Baic Motor raced to a 14-4 start in the third, capped by a Lu Yufei kill and Baic Motor went on to seal the victory in just one hour and 23 minutes.
In the first set, Jin broke a 25-all count with a sharp cross-court hit before an error by Mahsa Kadkhoda handed Baic Motor the win in the tournament backed by Mikasa, Mizuno, and Grand Sport as federation partners.
Neda Chamlanian led Saipa with 15 points and 11 excellent digs, while Mahsa Saberi contributed 13 points and 14 digs in a losing effort.
Baic Motor eyes a Pool C sweep when it faces VTV Binh Dien Long An on Monday at 10 a.m., while Saipa Tehran looks to rebound against the same team on Tuesday, also at 10 a.m.
Other supporters of the tournament are PLDT, MWell, Eagle Cement, Rebisco, Akari, Gameville, PNVF, PSC, Cignal, and The Look Group.
