
Alas Pilipinas Men during an AVC Nations Cup classification phase match in Manama, Bahrain. –AVC PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Alas Pilipinas heads to Europe for the final preparation for its historic hosting and participation in the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.
The members of the Alas pool, led by Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni, left the country on Wednesday to train in Morocco, Romania, and Portugal.
READ: Another missed SEA V.League podium for Alas Pilipinas Men
Marck Espejo and Bryan Bagunas banner the squad, which also has veterans Owa Retamar, Kim Malabunga, Steven Rotter, Jack Kalingking, and Vince Lorenzo.
Bagunas is raring to return a year after his knee injury. Espejo is also rejoining the team after sitting out the SEA V.League.
Young guns Buds Buddin, Leo Ordiales, Louie Ramirez, Jade Disquitado, Peng Taguibolos, Lloyd Josafat, Ken Batas, Eco Adajar, and Josh Ybañez.
Alas placed fourth in two legs of the 5th SEA V.League held in Candon, Ilocos Sur and Indonesia.
READ: Alas Pilipinas loses to Thailand in five-set heartbreaker
Alas Pilipinas opens its Pool A campaign against Tunisia, an 11-time African championship winner, on September 12 at Mall of Asia Arena.
The Nationals also take on Iran and Egypt.
The other Men’s World Championship preliminary games are also scheduled at Smart Araneta Coliseum from September 12 to 18. The knockout stage will take place at Mall of Asia Arena from September 20 to 28