Philippines sweeps Macau in AVC Challenge Cup campaign opener

The Philippines swept Macau, 25-21, 25-15, 25-14, to open its campaign in the 2023 AVC Challenge Cup for Men in Taipei on Sunday.

The national team is led by the returning Marck Espejo, along with the likes of Rex Intal, Joshua Umandal, and Kim Malabunga.

Espejo led the team with nine points anchored on seven attacks and two service aces while Filipino-American Steven Rotter and Lloyd Josafat chipped in seven and six markers, respectively.

The game was Macau's second straight loss in the tournament.

The top two teams of Pool D, where the Philippines is included, will advance to the Final 12.

The nationals will face Mongolia on Monday.

—Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA Integrated News