Vietnamese volleyball player scores over 200 points in first overseas appearance at top Asian tournament

Opposite hitter Tran Thi Bich Thuy scored 22 points as Okayama Seagulls lost to Hisamitsu Springs. Notably, Bich Thuy became the driving force for Okayama Seagulls in this match.

Today (March 29), opposite hitter Tran Thi Bich Thuy delivered her most impressive performance since playing in the Japanese National Championship, scoring 22 points in the match between Okayama Seagulls and Hisamitsu Springs. Of these points, she contributed 15 from attacks, 6 from blocks, and 1 from a direct serve, achieving an attack efficiency of 50%. This was also the highest scoring achievement in the match, highlighting the prominent role of the Vietnamese opposite hitter in Okayama's lineup.

Right from the first set, Bich Thuy displayed excellent form with a series of effective blocks, causing significant trouble for the opponent's offense. Thanks to this standout performance, Okayama Seagulls capitalized on opportunities to win 25-22, gaining an early advantage in the match. Not only defending well at the net, Bich Thuy also showed versatile attacking ability, becoming the primary scoring point for her team.

However, after losing the first set, Hisamitsu Springs quickly adjusted their tactics and improved their offensive organization. The balance in their lineup helped them successively win the next three sets with scores of 25-17, 25-23, and 25-15, thereby reversing the outcome to a final 3-1 victory. Meanwhile, Okayama gradually revealed their reliance on Bich Thuy as other attacking points failed to maintain stable efficiency.

Although unable to secure a win for her team, Bich Thuy's performance remained a major highlight. Besides her 22 points, Nakamoto scored 18 points but with only 28.3% efficiency, while other players contributed quite limitedly. On the Hisamitsu Springs side, attackers like Samedy, Kitamado, and Lengweiler scored consistently, contributing to the difference. The match clearly demonstrated Bich Thuy's individual impact and reflected the need for Okayama to improve team balance in the future.

Overall, Bich Thuy has scored 249 points after 25 matches for Okayama Club. This is an impressive achievement for Bich Thuy in her first overseas stint in Japan, as Okayama is among the lower-ranked teams in the Japanese National Championship standings.