MANILA, Philippines -- After missing the 2017 Southeast Asian Games, Marck Espejo will make his return to the national team as he spearheads the Philippines campaign in the 30th edition of the SEA Games in November.

Espejo, a five-time UAAP Most Valuable Player, did not suit up in Malaysia due to his commitments to Ateneo de Manila University. This time, Espejo will be at the forefront of the Philippines' attack, forming an explosive 1-2 punch with former National University star Bryan Bagunas.

The duo showed a glimpse of what they can do with Espejo dropping 35 points and Bagunas unloading 22 markers in Rebisco-Philippines' bronze-clinching victory in the 2019 Sealect Tuna Championships last July.

Bagunas, who is competing with the Oita Miyoshi Weisse Adler in Japan, will return to the country on November 25, barring any complications.

Completing the Philippines' offensive arsenal are team captain John Vic de Guzman, RanRan Abdilla, Mark Alfafara, and Joshua Umandal.

Meanwhile, five-time UAAP Best Setter Ish Polvorosa along with Jessie Lopez and Joshua Retamar will be the playmakers for the team.

The rest of the 14-man line-up are: middle blockers Kim Malabunga, Francis Saura, and Rex Intal, and liberos Ricky Marcos and Jack Kalingking.

Missing the cut were setter Kim Dayandante and middle blocker Peter Torres, who was diagnosed with spontaneous pneumothorax last August 15.

Calling the shots is decorated head coach Dante Alinsunurin.

The volleyball tournament of the regional meet will open on November 28.

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