OUT to show its real worth in the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship next year, the Alas Pilipinas men’s volleyball squad will have a loaded build-up next month.
The Filipino spikers will face Japan V.League’s contender Osaka Blueton in a series of friendly matches.
The Philippine National Volleyball Federation announced yesterday the upcoming friendlies as the Alas Pilipinas Invitationals slated Sept. 7 and 8 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
“We are all excited about this historic hosting because Filipino fans will get the opportunity to witness elite volleyball action from 32 teams,” PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara said.
Alas is expected to be led by Michaelo Buddin along with Josh Ybanez, Louie Ramirez, and Kim Malabunga and will test their mettle against the six-time Japan V.League champion Blueton, formerly known as the Panasonic Panthers.
The Blueton are stacked with top players this season with Japan national team stars Yuji Nishida, Akihiro Yamauchi, Tomohiro Yamamoto, Shoma Tomita, Larry Ik Evbade-Dan, and former national team skipper Kunihiro Shimizu.
Over the weekend, the Angiolino Frigoni-led Alas men’s squad bagged a second bronze medal in the 4th Southeast Asian V.League after a third place finish in the second Leg of the competition held in Indonesia.
Buddin also shone for Alas, stepping up in lieu of Bryan Bagunas who missed the tourney’s second Leg due an undisclosed injury. Buddin was named as the second leg’s First Best Outside Hitter.
The country will be the sole host of the global tilt at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and Mall of Asia Arena.
The tourney’s draw will be held on Sept. 14.
The Alas women’s tea, will also have a couple of exhibitions on the same dates as Eya Laure, Cherry Ann Rondina, Thea Gagate and the Filipina spikers face Japan V.League Saga Hisamitsu Springs.
