Volcanoes U-17 finish second in Youth Olympic elims

MANILA, Philippines — The U17 Philippine Volcanoes routed India in the semifinals, 29-5, but dropped a 0-29 setback to Hong Kong to settle for second in the Plate Division of the 2017 Youth Olympic qualifiers in Tainan, Taiwan recently.

The Junior Volcanoes, backed by the First Pacific and the MVP Sports Foundation, reeled from the sidelining of skipper Dean Beeton and Anthony Buenconsejo due to injury in the semis and struggled against the Hong Kong side in the finals.

The Junior Volcanoes kicked off their campaign in the region’s elims for the 2018 Buenos Aires Youth Olympics with a 14-5 victory over Uzbekistan then bounced back from a loss to tournament favorite Japan with a 35-0 shutout of Laos with Beeton, Paco Locsin and Owen Wakeham leading the attack.

The Junior Volcanoes finished third in pool play and drew India in the Plate semis with Beeton again leading the charge en route to their 24-point romp.

“The boys played their hearts out and I could not ask for anymore from them,” said Beeton.

“The experience for the players was phenomenal, an event that opens so many opportunities for young athletes. A big thanks to First Pacific and MVP Sports Foundation for supporting our National Youth Programs. These young men are the future for Philippine sport and have done our country proud,” said head coach Jovan Masalunga.

The Volcanoes will next compete in the men’s National Sevens of the Asia Sevens Series on Sept. 23 and 24 in Incheon, Korea.