RP spikers face tough task vs region's finest

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine men’s volleyball team will have its back against the wall when they see action in the 15th Asian Senior Men’s Volleyball Championship to be held at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium and the San San Andres Gym from Sept. 26 to Oct. 5.

The RP spikers won’t have too much of a problem in height with the presence of 6-foot-5 middle-blocker Sylvesster Honrade but will give up a lot when it comes to experience, the team only having been into practice since June this year.

“This is only our first international tournament but I’m sure the players will give it their best,” said head coach Sammy Acaylar.

The members of the team were presented to the media during yesterday’s PSA Forum at Shakey’s UN Avenue. Only two of the 13 players stand under six feet, making this unit the tallest RP team ever assembled.

Still, the lack of experience might pull the RP spikers down once they go up against the finest in the region, including those from powerhouse teams like defending champion Australia, China, Korea and Japan.

There are 18 teams bracketed into four groups with the Philippines landing in Group A with strong teams like Kazakhstan and Chinese Taipei and Myanmar. Only the top two teams from each group will go to the quarterfinals.

In Group B are Japan, India, Indonesia and Thailand and in Group C are China, Vietnam, Iran, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka. In Group D are Australia, Korea, Lebanon, Qatar and Maldives.

The Philippines will face Myanmar on Sept. 26, and then Kazakhstan on Sept. 28 and Chinese Taipei on Sept. 30.

“This is a very big challenge for the team,” said Philippine Volleyball Federation secretary-general Otie Camangian during the forum. “We hope to make an impact so the team will be included to the SEA Games this year.”

The men’s team is still fighting for inclusion to the RP contingent to the Laos SEA Games in December after failing to meet the criteria set by the Philippine Olympic Committee. They also missed the 2007 Thailand SEA Games.

Also in the team are 6’1 Dante Alinsunurin, 6’1 Reny John Balse, 6’1 libero Clarence Esteban, 6’3 Niño Jeruz, 5’9 setter Michael Cariño, 6’1 Edjet Mabbayad, 6’1 Jeffrey Malabanan, 6’0 Christian Fernandez, 5’9 Raffy Mosuela, 6’3 Chris Macasaet, Jessie Lopez, 6’2 Edcer Penetrante and 6’0 Mark Lee.