Vietnam's U18 women's volleyball team fought bravely but lost 3-0 to hosts Thailand in the final of the 2026 ASEAN U18 Championship.

Both teams fielded their strongest line-ups and traded points from the opening stages of the first set.

Thailand pulled ahead midway through the set before Vietnam, inspired by Anh Thao, rallied to lead 22-19. However, the Vietnamese side lost concentration at crucial moments and made several costly errors, allowing Thailand to edge the set 25-23.

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Vietnam's U18 women's volleyball team matched hosts Thailand throughout much of the final.

Vietnam continued to battle hard in the second set, matching Thailand point for point. After the score was tied at 8-8, the hosts opened a three-point advantage at 18-15 thanks to effective attacking play and home-court momentum.

Vietnam responded superbly to move ahead 21-19, but once again failed to capitalise late in the set, eventually losing a dramatic battle 29-27.

The third set proved equally competitive. Vietnam played with determination, drawing level at 9-9 and 11-11 before opening leads of 16-14 and 21-18.

The match turned when Thailand scored five consecutive points to overturn the deficit and move ahead 23-22 before sealing the set 25-22 to complete a 3-0 victory and secure the championship title.

Although defeated, Vietnam delivered a confident and competitive performance on Thailand's home court. The team's display highlighted the potential of a talented young generation that could achieve even greater success with continued investment and development.

Following the tournament, head coach Nguyen Ngoc Hoa and her squad will continue preparations for the 2026 Asian U18 Women's Volleyball Championship, scheduled to take place in July.

Dai Nam