Day 4 of the CAVA Women’s League 2025 in Malé, Maldives, delivered a mix of dominant performance and nail-biting suspense at the Social Center Indoor Hall. The preliminary round, nearing its close, featured an afternoon straight-sets victory and a thrilling five-set evening encounter.
Teams from Iran, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives competed, with the day’s outcomes significantly influencing the race for the semifinal spots.
The afternoon match in Pool B saw Foolad Mobarakeh Sepahan of Iran deliver an overwhelming performance against Uzbekistan’s Humo VC. They clinched a swift 3-0 victory (25–11, 25–11, 25–11) in merely 56 minutes, demonstrating complete control and consistently pressuring their opponents throughout the game.
Foolad Mobarakeh Sepahan showcased statistical dominance, out-spiking Humo VC 37-11 and out-blocking them 11-1, highlighting their formidable net play. Masoumeh Ghadami Tabaghdehi spearheaded the offense with 12 points (10 attacks), supported by crucial blocks from Roo Yasna Ahankoub and Zahra Karimi. Nigina Mirzaeva led Humo VC with three points. This victory cemented Foolad Mobarakeh Sepahan’s leading position in Pool B and secured their semifinal berth.
In stark contrast, the evening match provided the day’s most thrilling contest, with Sri Lanka’s Hirdaramani Sports Club narrowly defeating local favorites Club WAMCO (Maldives) in a grueling five-set encounter (24–26, 25–23, 25–18, 18–25, 15–8). The nearly two-hour marathon was characterized by constant lead changes, prolonged rallies, and exceptional individual efforts.
Despite the enthusiastic home crowd, Club WAMCO couldn’t secure the win, as Hirdaramani Sports Club maintained their composure to clinch the deciding set. Dilukshi Senarathna was phenomenal for the Sri Lankan team, scoring a match-best 34 points, all from attacks. Nimeshika Gunawardana contributed significantly with 25 points, including four aces. For Club WAMCO, Ampha Sonsurat tallied 32 points, and Dejana Lekic added 12 with an impressive all-around display. The match attracted approximately 200 spectators, signaling increasing local enthusiasm for the league.
After Day 4, the pool standings show Turan VC (Kazakhstan) leading Pool A with six points, followed by Hirdaramani Sports Club (Sri Lanka) and Club WAMCO (Maldives). In Pool B, the undefeated Foolad Mobarakeh Sepahan (Iran) holds the top spot with nine points, ahead of Nepal Police Club (Nepal) and Huraa Community Club (Maldives), while Humo VC (Uzbekistan) is yet to secure a win.
With the preliminary round drawing to a close, Foolad Mobarakeh Sepahan has clinched first place in Pool B. From Pool A, Turan VC advances as the top seed, accompanied by Hirdaramani Sports Club as the second semifinalist. The final qualifying spot will be decided by the Pool B clash between Nepal Police Club and Huraa Community Club.
The CAVA Women’s League 2025 now progresses to its crucial knockout stage in Malé, with the much-anticipated semifinal matches scheduled next.