The Kaohsiung Taipower. PVL Media Bureau

MANILA, Philippines – Kaohsiung Taipower wasted no time making a statement, while Beijing Baic Motor shook off a shaky start to dominate Saipa Tehran in straight sets in the AVC Women's Champions League on Sunday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

The nine-time Top Volleyball League champions from Taiwan showcased their experience and firepower, overwhelming the reigning Hong Kong Women’s Volleyball League titleholders to seize the early solo lead in Pool B with a 1-0 record.

Peng Yu-Rou spearheaded the attack with 16 points built on 15 kills, while Tsai Yu-Chun backed her up with 11 markers, including eight spikes.

Hsu Wan-Yun chipped in seven points, team captain Huang Ching Hsuan tallied six, and middle blockers Hu Xiao-Pei and Pao Yin-Chi contributed five apiece in the well-balanced offensive performance.

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“It’s important for me as a volleyball player to gain this kind of experience. It also [matters] that our team gets to experience participating in a tournament like this,” said starting setter Hung Chia-Yao, who also tallied two points and 10 excellent digs.

“It is a new experience in our life and we can [have] many learnings in other countries like how they play volleyball and for our communication also,” added Hu.

Taipower returns to action tomorrow, Monday at 4 p.m., against the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference champion Petro Gazz.

No player from the Hong Kong-based side breached double digits, with outside hitter Pang Wing Lam pacing the team with seven points, and setter Fung Tsz Yan adding four in the losing effort.

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Still searching for their first win, Hip Hing will try to bounce back against Petro Gazz on Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Meanwhile, despite missing key players due to national team duties and fielding only 10, Baic Motor, the tournament's highest-ranked club at No. 5, showcased its depth and resilience.

The Chinese side battled through a tense opening set and a gritty second frame before cruising in the third to secure an early lead in Pool C.

“We’re missing a couple of players because of the national team, so we’re trying our best and working really hard to win,” said head coach Kuang Qi through an interpreter. “It’s the first match so they were a little nervous, but I’m happy with the result.”

Jin Ye led Baic Motor with an all-around masterclass, finishing with 16 points from 14 attacks and two blocks, along with 13 excellent digs and six excellent receptions. Shan Lanfeng added 15 points and 11 digs, while Lu Yufei also tallied 15 points and 10 digs.

Shen Hongyi and Tian Yue chipped in with seven and five points, respectively.

Baic Motor eyes a Pool C sweep when it faces VTV Binh Dien Long An on Monday at 10 a.m., while Saipa Tehran looks to rebound against the same team on Tuesday, also at 10 a.m.