Young Vietnamese spiker soaking up high-level experience

Ho Chi Minh City’s Ho Thi Bich Diep during a game vs PLDT High Speed Hitters in the 2026 PVL Invitational Conference. –PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Sixteen-year-old spiker Ho Thi Bich Diep and Vietnamese squad Ho Chi Minh City are eager to learn from the Philippine pro clubs in their rare overseas stint in the 2026 PVL Invitational Conference.

Ho delivered 18 points to lead Ho Chi Minh City to a breakthrough 28-26, 19-25, 25-21, 25-16 win over defending champion PLDT on Thursday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Team captain Dang Thi Kim Thanh also powered the Vietnamese club with 19 points as they improved to 1-2 and joined Farm Fresh in a three-way tie with PLDT.

For Ho Chi Minh, its participation in the PVL is integral to the program’s growth and the young Vietnamese aim to learn from the Filipinos as well as Thai club Est Cola.

That’s why Ho is soaking in all the lessons she can pick up in every game.

WATCH: Dang Thi Kim Thanh and Ho Thi Bich Diep talk about their PVL experience. #PVL2026 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/9xQc4KVUqe

— INQUIRER Sports (@inquirersports) September 3, 2026

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“I was trying hard to follow this high-level of play, being young and as a rookie,” Ho said through a translator. “I’m grateful for the more experienced veterans that are on the court, reminding and pushing me, giving me the support, so that I can play comfortably, and to be able to keep at the same level of the team.”

Ho was also grateful for the veteran Vietnamese players who are guiding them in their PVL campaign, including their captain Dang, who had a national team call-up.

“I’m happy that I got the support and trust of my teammates, motivating me to accomplish what I did tonight, and for the future games,” she said.

Ho Chi Minh has two more games, facing Nxled on Friday before EST Cola on Sunday, with the top two teams advancing to the final.

The young spiker is slowly getting her groove in the week-long PVL tournament.

“A lot of the younger players had a really good time experiencing older players, more experienced players, understanding the high technical level, the attack patterns, and how to adjust and how to adapt to this high-level play. I’m grateful for the experience and being able to adapt when it comes to these challenges,” Ho said.