By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
After a gallant stand during the recently concluded 2021 Asian Men’s Club Volleyball Championship held in Thailand, PH men’s head coach Dante Alinsunurin confirmed that they are already planning another training camp.
Despite finishing the tournament in ninth place, Alinsunurin said he is still satisfied with the results after they grabbed their lone win in their last game.
“Nagrequest na ko na magstart na ulit ng training at magkaroon exhibtion games sa different teams na maglalaro sa Champions League pagbalik namin ng Pilipinas,” Alinsunurin said.
Eager to break out of their slump and fall to a disappointing 0-5 record, the Filipino spikers outlasted Sri Lankan volleyball club CEB Sports Club in a classic five-set thriller, 25-14, 22-25, 25-18, 21-25, 15-11.
Jao Umandal rose to the occasion after leading the Rebisco PH spikers in attacks and an impressive 28-point production against CEB Sports Club with the absence of main gunners Marck Espejo and Bryan Bagunas who are currently playing as imports in Japan.
Aside from Umandal, team PH also got solid contributions from national team staples John Vic De Guzman and Mark Alfafara.
Rookie members Ysay Marasigan, Manuel Sumanguid, JP Bugaoan, and Nico Almendras also played their hearts out as if they were already veterans of the team.
“Lahat ng players nagcontribute na kahit sino ipasok ko nakakatulong sa team. Nakita ko dito na mas tumaas ang percentage namin sa offense,” Alinsunurin added.
