Alas geared-up for turnaround?

MANILA, Philippines — As promised, Alas Pilipinas coach Angiolino Frigoni is sticking to his guns, the same ones he coached in a poor fifth-place showing in the men’s SEA V Cup first leg in Candon City, llocos Sur last week..

While the battle-tested Italian mentor isn’t promising the moon, he is of the belief that a bright future awaits his charges.

But Alas will be tested anew as it clashes with old, familiar foe, SEA V Cup first leg champion and conqueror Cambodia in today’s second and last leg of this annual event over in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Dynamo Josh Ybañez, named Best Libero in Candon, will spearhead the same squad that also features fellow World Championship veterans Lloyd Josafat, Louie Ramirez and Vince Lorenzo, and Southeast Asian Games beach volley medalist Jude Garcia.

Also in fold are Jian Salarzon, Axel Van Book, JJ Macam, Al Bukhari Sali, Rodge Alejos, Trevor Valerra, Lirick Mendoza, Josh Magalaman, Greg Ancheta, Adrian Villados and Vennie Ceballos.

Frigoni is steadfast that while the door is still open for Alas players who missed out joining the team in Candon, they would have to work and compete to reclaim their old spots.

Among those who weren’t in Candon due to various reasons were Bryan Bagunas, Marck Espejo and Leo Ordiales.

Alas is determined to get back at Cambodia after the former succumbed to the latter in a five-set duel that led to the Nationals’ fifth-place finish.