What looked to be a battle between powerhouse teams in the Spikers' Turf Open Conference turned out to be one-sided last Friday as Cignal dominated Imus-Ivy Tuason Photography in three, 25-16, 25-22, 25-22 at Paco Arena in Manila.
And one of the biggest factors for the HD Spikers was Marck Espejo's awakening after being limited to just six points in two sets played in their first game against Santa Rosa City.
The five-time league MVP dropped a game-high 18 points on a very efficient 13-of-22 in his attacks to go along with five service aces and laced with 11 excellent receptions.
"The reason din why nanalo kami is naging consistent si Marck and 'yan 'yung Marck Espejo na tinitignan namin since then at kung ano 'yung Marck Espejo before, 'yan 'yung pinakita niya," shared Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor on Espejo, who led them to the 2019 Reinforced and Open Conferences titles, earning Finals MVP distinctions both occasions.
His eruption came at the heels of the news that the AJAA Spikers, already looked at as a title favorites as well since the start of the conference, have secured the commitment of Espejo's partner in national team Bryan Bagunas.
Bagunas is currently playing with Winstreak in the Top Volleyball League in Taiwan but will join Imus-ITP some time in March just in time before the round-robin semifinals.
But the 6-foot-3 outside spiker out of Ateneo de Manila University said his performance is nothing like a statement to the upcoming team of Bagunas, who is regarded as one of the best volleyball players in the country.
"Hindi naman talagang kailangan ko lang iredeem yung sarili ko from last game kasi sobrang pangit ng laro ko last game so itong second game ito na yung start na kailangan ko mapush talaga every game and sa trainings," said Espejo.
And for him, he's just glad to have Bagunas back in the Spikers' Turf, the Philippines, and at the other side of the net.
"Happy lang din ako kasi lahat ng mga players parang equally distributed kami sa club teams."
