PNVF announces 16-man lineup for Alas Pilipinas Invitationals

Marck Espejo will spearhead the Philippines in its homestand when the country hosts the Alas Pilipinas Invitationals from June 10 to 12 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The longtime national team outside spiker leads the 16-man lineup announced by Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) on Monday, just a day before they plunge into action in the invitational tournament set to prepare the squad for the 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship here.

Also included are other mainstays Joshua Retamar, Steven Rotter, Kim Malabunga, JP Bugaoan, Joshua Umandal, Jack Kalingking, Lloyd Josafat, and Louie Ramirez.

PNVF has also tapped several collegiate stars in Josh Ybañez of UST, Ken Batas of Ateneo, Echo Adajar of La Salle, and the National University troika of Peng Taguibolos, Leo Ordiales, and Buds Buddin.

Rounding out the squad is Filipino-American Jackson Reed.

Alas Men will open their bid on Tuesday against Jakarta Bhayangkara Presisi of Indonesia before taking on Hyundai Capital Skywalkers of South Korea and Thailand national team on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News