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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Volleyball devider Alas Pilipinas braces for AVC Challenge Cup for Men

Alas Pilipinas braces for AVC Challenge Cup for Men

Published Jun 2, 2024 05:06 am

At A Glance

  • Following Alas Pilipinas' historic feat in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup for women, it's now time for the men's squad to turn in its best effort in the men's tournament in Isa Town, Bahrain this June 2 to 10 (Manila time).
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Following Alas Pilipinas’ historic feat in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup for women, it’s now time for the men’s squad to turn in its best effort in the men’s tournament in Isa Town, Bahrain this June 2 to 10 (Manila time).

The Marck Espejo-led Philippines will face an acid test right away when it opens its campaign against China at 12:30 a.m. with the 14-man roster set to be coached by Sergio Veloso in the weeklong tournament.

A spot to the 2024 FIVB Challenger Cup in Linyi, China awaits the eventual gold medalist of the tournament slated the following month.

Alas Pilipinas was also bunched up against tournament host Bahrain the next day at the same time, while China and the home bet wrap up the group’s preliminary round fixture on Wednesday, June 5.

The top two sides will advance to the quarterfinals of the 12-team competition in round-robin style, with Pool A battling its counterparts from Pool C while Pool B’s top two seed teams take on Pool D’s winners in the crossover affair.

Providing stability to Alas Pilipinas will be collegiate outside hitter standouts Jade Disquitado, Nico Almendras and Noel Kampton, with Jau Umabdal and Leo Ordiales filling the opposite side.

Kim Malabunga, Rwenzmel Tagubolos, JP Bugaoan and Lloyd Josafat will man the front as the middle blockers, with two-time UAAP Best Setter Owa Retamar and Joseph Bello tasked as the playmakers.

In a slightly surprising turn of events, back-to-back UAAP MVP Josh Ybañez was converted into a libero and will be taking turns with Vince Lorenzo in the rotation.

Last week, captain playmaker Jia De Guzman and head coach Jorge de Brito conspired to steer the Philippines to its first-ever podium finish in an AVC-sanctioned tournament 63 years after joining the federation.

De Guzman and Angel Canino went home with individual accomplishments as Best Setter and Best Outside Spiker of this year’s edition.

Like the women’s side, which went all the way to the semifinal undefeated, the men’s team had limited preparations but remained positive of its chances against the two powerhouse squads.

Related Tags

avc cup Marck espejo Josh Ybañez
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