By REY C. LACHICA
HANGZHOU, China – For the men’s volleyball team, the learning process should have no limits.
That was stressed by Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo after the team’s 9-25, 14-25, 23-25 defeat at the hands of Japan’s Team B in the 19th Asian Games Thursday, Sept, 21, at the Dequing Sports Centre Gymnasium in Hangzhou, China on Thursday, Sept. 21.
The loss was the second for the PH spikers in three group matches, thus making them the first team to be sent back home.
But the team will leave with a great mindset what with their joyful experiences in playing ifor the first time in the grandest tournament in the region.
Bagunas, who is now playing in a pro league in Taiwan, was delighted the way they pushed the Japanese in the third set, even taking a 22-21 lead.
“Nakita ko naman po yung improvement ng team at sobrang gulat ko dito sa Asian Games. After 49 years sobrang nakakabilib na nadito kami at sana magtuloy-tuloy na,” said Bagunas.
On playing in a top-tier tournaments, Bagunas said: “Sana sumali pa kami sa ibat ibang tournaments para na din sa exposure and experience.”
Espejo, largely responsible for Ateneo’s great ride in the UAAP several years ago, echoed Bagunas’ obeservations.
“I hope na magtuloy-tuloy sa mga susunod na taon,” said Espejo, who produced 8 points. “Super thankful ako nabigyan kami ng opportunity na makapaglaro dito.”
