KRISTEL SATUMBAGA

The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) has released a 19-player list for the men’s team that will see action in the 2023 Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia in May.

Marck Espejo and Bryan Bagunas banner the list of invited players that also include Ish Polvorosa, Joshua Umandal, Manuel Sumanguid III, JP Bugaoan, Chumason Njigha, Vince Lorenzo, Kim Dayandante and Vince Mangulabnan.

Also invited are Jade Disquitado, Kim Malabunga, and collegiate players Jan Sumagui, Rwemzel Taguibolos, Leo Ordiales, Joseph Bello, Jay dela Noche, Noel Kampton and Michael Buddin.

The players are instructed to confirm until Feb. 3 if they are interested to join the pool.

The PH men’s team is expected to avenge its fifth-place finish at the 31^st SEAG edition in Vietnam last year after clinching a historic silver medal in the 2019 edition that the country hosted.

Coach Odjie Mamon has been tapped to handle the squad on an interim basis after Dante Alinsunurin has been relieved of his coaching duties.

Meanwhile, the women’s pool has been reportedly practicing under Brazilian coach Jorge Souza de Brito.

Alyssa Valdez and Jia De Guzman lead the women’s pool that also has Tots Carlos, Jema Galanza, Ced Domingo, Kyla Atienza, Cherry Nunag, Kat Tolentino, Mylene Paat, Angel Cayuna, Mika Reyes, Kath Arado, Del Palomata, Jules Samonte, MJ Philips, Lea Pelega and Risa Nogales.