Alas opens bid vs Cambodia

MANILA, Philippines — A slew of World Championship veterans will spearhead Alas Pilipinas when it clashes with Cambodia today, seeking  a podium return in Week 1 of the SEA V Cup at Candon City Arena.

Energetic Josh Ybanez, Lloyd Josafat, Louie Ramirez and Vince Lorenzo, who were part of the historic team that saw action in the Worlds the country hosted a year ago, will carry the load for the home squad in this five-day meet in the absence of stars Bryan Bagunas and a Marck Espejo.

The Nationals, mentored by Italian Angiolino Frigoni, took in Jude Garcia, a Southeast Asian Games beach volley bronze winner, to help fill the huge void left by the explosive Bagunas-Espejo duo.

Completing the Alas roster are Jian Salarzon, Axel Van Book, JJ Macam, Al Bukhari Sali, Rodge Alejos, Trevor Valera, Lirick Mendoza, Josh Magalaman, Greg Ancheta, Adrian Villados and Vennie Ceballos.

The Filipinos are seeking a medal finish after missing out on a podium windup  in the last two legs of this annual event in this progressive Ilocos Sur city and in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Their best effort came two years ago. year.