Cignal duo Bryan Bagunas and Jau Umandal, along with Criss Cross ace Marck Espejo, are expected to banner Alas Pilipinas, the Philippine men’s national volleyball team for the upcoming AVC Challenge Cup.
Bryan Bagunas, Marck Espejo, and Jau Umandal will spearhead the Philippine men’s national volleyball team pool for the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Challenge Cup for Men, set on June 2 to 9 in Isa Town, Bahrain.
Men's national team manager Jerome Guhit disclosed the list to reporters at the press conference for the national team moniker reveal on May 15, Wednesday.
The superstar trio will be joined by the core of Cignal stalwarts in JP Bugaoan, Mark Calado, Lloyd Josafat, and Vince Lorenzo.
Also part of the pool are Criss Cross middle blocker Kim Malabunga, and NU standouts Owa Retamar, Nico Almendras, Jade Disquitado, Rwenzmel Taguibolos, Choi Diao, Leo Ordiales, and Joseph Bello.
Josh Ybañez and Sherwin Umandal of UST, Noel Kampton and Menard Guerrero of La Salle, and Louie Ramirez of Perpetual, and Adrian Villados of Arellano were also called up for national duties.
The AVC Challenge Cup for Men will see the Philippines compete against China as well as 2023 runner-up and 2024 host Bahrain.