Bagunas, Espejo headline Men’s squad, 7 Tigresses lead U23 team for Thailand Open

Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo will be spearheading the Philippine Men’s National Volleyball team’s campaign in the 2019 Thailand Open Sealect Tuna Championships from July 4 to 10.

Joining the duo are John Vic De Guzman (PLDT), Mark Alfafara (PLDT), Ranran Abdilla (Air Force), Rex Intal (Cignal), Peter Torres (Cignal), Kim Malabunga (Air Force), Francis Saura (Air Force), Jack Kalingking (Navy), Ricky Marcos (Sta. Elena), Jessie Lopez (Air Force), Kim Dayandante (Sta. Elena), and Ish Polvorosa (Cignal).

“Una, naging basis diyan is ‘yung kakayahan ng mga bata, ‘yung pwedeng mabilisan maka-adapt ng mga gusto naming mangyari,” disclosed Alinsunurin.

“Fifty-percent naman halos nasa teams ko eh, nasa team ng Air Force saka Sta. Elena. So medyo naadapt talaga ‘yung sistema then the rest is nandyan naman si [Marck] Espejo, madali naman mag adapt ng mga pwede naming gawin.”

Despite being a tournament for under-23 spikers, the organizers allowed the Philippines to field its seniors’ squad for the team.

Alinsunurin, however, clarified that being a part of the line-up does not guarantee a spot in the SEA Games roster.

On the other hand, the distaffs’ side will send over the country’s under-23 team for the regional meet.

The team coached by Kungfu Reyes will feature seven Tigresses, namely Mafe Galanza, Lyn Galdones, Ysa Jimenez, Maji Mangulabnan, Rachelle Roldan, Imee Hernandez, and Janna Torres.

Completing the cast are Angel Canino of DLSZ; Ivanna Agudo, Lyann De Guzman, and Celine Domingo of FEU; Rossie Rosier and Jewel Encarnacion of UP; and Justine Jazareno of DLSU.

Both squads are expected to leave for Thailand on July 3.