The 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference came to a close for Kinh Bac-Bac Ninh, and while they may not have secured a single win in the semifinals, the team returns to Vietnam with hearts full of valuable learning experiences.
Despite the setbacks, their captain, Huong Nguyen, remains elated and optimistic about the future.
Reflecting on the tournament, Nguyen emphasized how much her team had grown and evolved during their time in the Philippines.
Going up against formidable opponents from the Philippines and Japan's Kurashiki Blaze exposed them to a higher level of competition, which they wholeheartedly embraced.
"We learned so much from this tournament. We gained a lot of experience, and the Philippine and Japanese teams demonstrated exceptional technique and teamwork," said Nguyen, her eyes glowing with a newfound sense of determination.
Acknowledging that there is always room for improvement, Nguyen humbly expressed that her team needs to hone their skills further and continue learning from the best.
The exposure to the different playing styles and strategies of their opponents proved invaluable, and they are eager to apply these lessons back home in Vietnam.
"My team needs to improve its skills further and learn a lot from the Philippine and Japanese teams," she added with unwavering determination as they prepare for their season in the Volleyball Vietnam League.
While the competition was fierce on the court, off the court, the warm reception and support from the Filipino fans left a lasting impression on the team. Nguyen expressed her gratitude for the hospitality they received during their stay in the Philippines.
"This is the first time that I've joined a big tournament. I saw how crowded the venue was, and I'm very happy to have played in this tournament," she shared with a smile.
The vibrant energy and passion of the fans fueled the team's spirit, making the experience even more memorable.
Looking ahead, Nguyen expressed her team's eagerness to return to the Philippines if the PVL extends another invitation in the future. Their desire to compete again is fueled by the aspiration to showcase their progress and growth as a team.
"Yes, of course, if we're invited again, we will work on improving our skills and bring a strong team to the Philippines one more time," she affirmed, exuding determination and optimism.
Kinh Bac-Bac Ninh's final match against F2 Logistics was a test of their resilience and determination. Though they fell at the hands of their opponents in four sets, 25-23, 19-25, 18-25, 20-25, Nguyen stood out as the top scorer for her team with an impressive 19 points. Xuan Le and My Phan also contributed significantly to the game with 15 and 11 points, respectively, showcasing their unwavering fighting spirit until the last point.
For Kinh Bac-Bac Ninh, the 2023 PVL Invitational Conference may not have culminated in victory on the scoreboard, but the experience gained, the memories made, and the lessons learned are the true triumphs that they will carry with them back to Vietnam.
