RP spikers in must-win over tall Kazakhs

MANILA, Philippines - Team Philippines tries to bounce back from its opening day defeat when it returns to action today against Kazakhstan at the continuation of the preliminary round of the 15th Asian Seniors Men’s Volleyball Championship being held at the San Andres Gym in Manila.

Coming off a 21-25, 25-21, 19-25, 25-22, 17-15 loss to Myanmar on opening day, the host squad now faces a very important match against the much taller Kazakhs side in its bid to enter the quarterfinals of this event featuring 18 topnotch teams from all over Asia.

“It was a very disappointing loss, but we’re leaving it behind are we’re all focused on our next match,” said RP team head coach Sammy Acaylar.

“It’s a must-win game for us, as there are only four teams in our group. We have to win our next two matches, but we’re taking it one game at a time,” he added.

The Philippines is also bracketed in Group A with Chinese-Taipei, and the format states that only the top two team in each of the four groups will advance into the next stage of this tournament supported by Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Olympic Committee, Shakey’s, Pocari Sweat, Solar, ASICS, Mikasa, Bayview Hotel, City Garden Hotel and Hyatt Hotel.

Philippine Volleyball Federation vice president Gener Dungo expressed confidence that the team could make it to the quarterfinals even as he said his players need to improve on blocking, receiving and serving skills.

“We’re happy with the performance of the team against Myanmar, it’s just that the breaks didn’t go our way,” said Dungo, who is also the ASMVC chair.

“I’m hoping our players would deliver tomorrow,” added Dungo.

The Filipinos are expected to be led once again by spiker Edjet Mabbayad, along with Edcer Penetrante and Dante Alinsunurin.