April 25 SC Women Power Past Chinese Taipei in Four-Set Duel

2019 Asian Club Championship Women – May 5, 2019 – The April 25 SC Women of North Korea showed their championship pedigree on the final day of the pool stage, defeating a determined Chinese Taipei Women’s side in four sets (25-23, 25-21, 23-25, 25-19) at the 2019 Asian Women’s Club Volleyball Championship in Tianjin. The result gave April 25 a crucial win in the standings and underlined their status as one of the tournament’s most physical and well-drilled teams, while Chinese Taipei proved they could trouble even the best with their scrappy defence and quick transitions.

Match Overview

Playing with a place in the next round on the line, April 25 SC started sharply, using their imposing blocking at the net to frustrate the Chinese Taipei attack. The opening set was tight throughout, but the North Korean side’s serving pressure created key breaks late on. Chinese Taipei responded in the third set with a more varied offence, forcing April 25 into uncharacteristic errors. However, the fourth set saw April 25 reassert control with a powerful middle-blocking display and efficient out-of-system hitting, sealing the victory in just under two hours.

Key Moments & Tactical Story

• First-set edge: April 25 edged ahead with a 25-23 opening, converting on their first set point after a Chinese Taipei serve error under pressure.
• Taipei’s revival: Chinese Taipei kept the match alive with a 25-23 third-set win, sparked by a 5-0 run on the serve of their opposite hitter.
• Blocking dominance: April 25 recorded double-digit blocks, repeatedly sending back Chinese Taipei’s outside hitters, particularly in the deciding set.
• Finishing touch: A 25-19 fourth set was sealed by a line-shot ace from April 25’s captain, capping a composed closing stretch.

Standout Performers

For the winners, the middle blocker partnership was outstanding, contributing both in attack and on the defensive end. April 25’s setter distributed well, keeping the Chinese Taipei defence off-balance with quick slides behind. Chinese Taipei’s libero earned praise for a series of spectacular digs that kept rallies alive, while their outside hitter delivered a match-high 18 points, but it was not enough to swing the momentum.

Tournament Context

The match formed part of the group stage of the 2019 Asian Club Championship Women, hosted in Tianjin, China. With the result, April 25 SC improved their record in the competition, positioning themselves for a strong finish. Chinese Taipei, meanwhile, showed they could compete at the continental level, and their young roster gained valuable experience against a veteran side known for its discipline and physical power.