National team soars in FIVB world ranking

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine men’s team made a major accomplishment by leapfrogging 111 notches to No. 56 in the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) world ranking following two victories at the ongoing Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Challenge Cup for Men in Taipei.

“This is one big, major achievement for our men’s indoor volleyball team,” Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Ramon “Tats” Suzara said.

“This is by far the most significant accomplishment by our men’s team and the PNVF just under three years into its establishment as the national federation,” Suzara added.

The Philippines is one of only three of the 222 FIVB member nations which made a major stride in the world rankings. Macau jumped from No. 165 to No. 58 and Mongolia from No 164 to No. 59.

The national men’s team currently vying in Taipei is composed of Vincent Raphael Mangulabanan, Noel Michael Kampton, Kim Harold Dayandante, Vince Patrick Lorenzo, Ryan Andrew Banez, Kim Malabunga, Jayvee Sumagaysay, Steve Charles Rotter, Adrian Villados, John Vic de Guzman, Joshua Umandal, Edward Camposano, Bryan Bagunas, Marck Jesus Espejo, Rex Emmanuel Intal, Madzlan Gampong, Lloyd Josafat, Cyrus de Guzman, Manual Sumanguid III and Chumason Celestine Njigha.

The team is led by PNVF director Rod Roque and handled by Brazilian head coach Sergio Veloso.