Vietnam's U18 women's volleyball team defeated Kyrgyzstan in straight sets to make an impressive start at the 2026 Southeast Asian U18 Volleyball Championship.

The opening match for coach Ngoc Hoa's side took place at 10 a.m. on June 23 against Kyrgyzstan. Aiming for a deep run in the tournament, the Vietnamese team arrived well prepared and determined to secure victory in their first outing.

Vietnam dominated from the outset, taking the opening set 25-11 with ease.

The gap widened further in the second set as Anh Thao and her teammates completely controlled proceedings, cruising to a commanding 25-5 victory.

Kyrgyzstan put up a stronger fight in the third set, but Vietnam maintained their superiority to close out the match 25-15 and seal a 3-0 win.

The 2026 Southeast Asian U18 Volleyball Championship features eight teams divided into two groups. Vietnam were drawn in Group B alongside Kyrgyzstan, the Philippines and Malaysia. Group A consists of hosts Thailand, Australia, Hong Kong (China) and Indonesia.

Following their opening victory, Vietnam will face the Philippines at 4 p.m. on June 24 before taking on Malaysia at 10 a.m. on June 25. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals.

Vietnam U18 women's volleyball squad

Outside hitters: Bui Thi Anh Thao (Ha Noi Tasco Auto - captain), Nguyen Mai Quynh (Thong Tin Dong Bac), Bui Thi Huyen (LPB Ninh Binh), Nguyen Cham Anh (HCDG Lao Cai)

Opposite hitters: Nguyen Khanh Linh (IMP Bac Ninh), Nguyen Thi Yen Nhi (HCDG Lao Cai)

Middle blockers: Le Thuy Linh (Ha Noi Tasco Auto), Trinh Huynh Bao Ngoc (VTV Binh Dien Long An), Le Thi Kim Thu (HCDG Lao Cai), Vu Mai Ngan (Quang Ninh)

Setters: Nguyen Thi Huyen Trang (Thong Tin Dong Bac), Do Que Tran (Ha Noi Tasco Auto)

Liberos: Quach Thi Hoai An (XMLS Thanh Hoa), Le Thi Hang (Thong Tin Dong Bac)

Dai Nam