Alas Pilipinas Men is finally at full strength, with team captain Bryan Bagunas rejoining the squad — a timely return just five days before their much-anticipated debut in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games.
Bagunas arrived in the Philippines yesterday and immediately linked up with the Nationals for their flight to Bangkok earlier today, wasting no time in rejoining the team after briefly pausing his campaign with Osaka Bluteon in Japan’s V.League.
The 28-year-old outside hitter missed the team’s early preparations for the biennial meet, including a two-week training camp in Taiwan. But he’s now back to bolster the squad’s final push and strengthen their charge heading into the tournament.
With Bagunas back in the fold, Alas Pilipinas now turns its focus to the daunting task ahead in Pool B.
The Nationals open their campaign against Myanmar on December 13, followed by a clash with defending champion Indonesia on December 16 — needing at least one win to secure a semifinal spot.
Alas Pilipinas will hold its first practice with a complete lineup tomorrow, finally bringing the full squad together ahead of the SEA Games.
