Marck Espejo leads Alas Pilipinas Men lineup in AVC Challenge Cup

Marck Espejo is set to banner the country once again when Alas Pilipinas Men see action in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup next month in Bahrain. 

The former Ateneo standout leads the 14-man roster announced by Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) on Monday with the squad expected to depart on Wednesday. 

Joining the 27-year-old Espejo are other outside hitters in college standouts Jade Disquitado, Noel Kampton, and Nico Almendras, as well as Cignal star Jau Umandal, while Leo Ordiales is tipped to play in the opposite wing.

National team mainstay Kim Malabunga is tasked to man the net alongside other middle blockers JP Bugaoan, Rwenzmel Taguibolos, and Lloyd Josafat. 

Returning Joshua Retamar will serve as the main setter for the Sergio Veloso-mentored squad with Joseph Bello serving as his back-up while Josh Ybañez has been converted to a libero together with Vince Lorenzo. 

Alas will kick off their campaign on June against China before wrapping up Pool A assignment against host Bahrain on June 3.

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News