Alas Pilipinas Men kick off AVC campaign vs. powerhouse China

It's the turn of Alas Pilipinas Men now as they kick off their campaign at the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup against Asian powerhouse China early Sunday in Isa Town, Bahrain. 

The Filipinos, who currently rank 57th in FIVB world rankings, will take on the world no. 31 China to open their assignment in Pool A before slugging it out against host Bahrain on Monday. 

Bannering the squad is team captain and seasoned outside spiker Marck Espejo, who looks to help steer the nationals to a podium finish under the leadership of head coach Sergio Veloso. 

Without his longtime court partner Bryan Bagunas, Espejo will lead a youthful core that features Josh Ybañez, Vince Lorenzo, Jade Disquitado, Noel Kampton, Nico Almendras, Joshua Retamar, Rwenzmel Taguibolos, Leo Ordiales, and Joseph Bello.

Rounding out the roster are veterans Kim Malabunga, JP Bugaoan, Lloyd Josafat, and Jau Umandal. 

The Alas Men will have to first hurdle a big challenge that is China. 

China has been a formidable squad in the Asian level with the likes of Jingyin Zhang, Dejun Zhai, and Bin Wang leading the squad in the 2023 Volleyball Nations League (VNL). However, they were relegated after finishing last, forcing them to compete anew in AVC to earn another promotion. 

The AVC Challenge Cup is a qualifier for the FIVB Challenger Cup, where the winner will advance to the VNL in 2025. 

Veloso said they will use this opportunity to improve and create a chemistry within the team as their ultimate goal is to form a competitive squad come the country's hosting of the 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship.

"It doesn’t matter if we win or not, because the most important is how we can improve in these opportunities. When you play with the best teams in the world, you can use these opportunities," Veloso said.

"For this season, we need to play maximum matches and use this opportunity to improve."

—JKC, GMA Integrated News