BANNERED by the likes of Marck Espejo and Joshua Retamar, the Alas Pilipinas national men’s volleyball team begins its campaign in the AVC Challenge Cup for Men in Bahrain.
The Nationals take on China early morning today at 12 a.m. in Pool A action at the Isa Bin Rashed Hall, Isa Town.
Alas, currently at the 57th spot in the FIVB world rankings, hopes to surpass its 10th place finish in the last year’s edition of the competition and replicate the podium finish by its women’s counterpart in the AVC Challenge Cup for Women held in Manila last week.
The winner of the Asian tournament will gain a place in the FIVB Challenger Cup, a pre-qualifying joust to earn a spot in the prestigious Volleyball Nations League.
Joining Espejo and Retamar are outside hitters Joshua Umandal, Nico Almendras, Noel Kampton, Jade Disquitado, middle blockers Kim Malabunga, JP Bugaoan, Rwenzmel Taguibolos, Lloyd Josafat and setter Joseph Bello.
Completing the team are opposite spiker Leo Ordiales, and liberos Josh Ybanez and Vince Lorenzo with Sergio Veloso calling the shots in the one-week tourney.
“We have a short time to (prepare) for the AVC Challenge Cup. Our pool is so strong. We play with Bahrain in Bahrain. Bahrain is a strong team, and they are playing at home, and we play China,” Veloso said. “Strong field but no matter if we win or not the most important (thing) is how we can improve in these tournaments.
“When you play in the best teams in the world, you can use these opportunities. If the other team gives us a chance, we can beat (them). . . but for this season, we need to play at the maximum and use this opportunity to improve,” he added.
World No. 32 China will be entering the contest with redemption hopes following its relegation.
The Chinese squad saw action in last year’s VNL but was relegated following its dead-last finish.
