Marck Espejo, the star player of Cignal HD Spikers, is gearing up for a fierce battle with AMC-Cotabato in Game Two of the 2023 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference finals. The HD Spikers took the lead in the series with a nail-biting 25-22, 25-22, 28-26 victory over the Cotabato Spikers at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Wednesday night. However, Espejo is not complacent and is aware that their opponents could stage a comeback in the next game.
“Right now, we're happy to have won the first game, but we know that AMC won't just give us Game Two. We'll have to work hard for it,” Espejo said after the first game.
The three-time Spikers’ Turf and two-time PVL MVP proved his mettle in the opening game, finishing with an impressive 26 points in just three sets played, with 22 attacks, three aces, and one block to spearhead Cignal’s return to the Open Conference throne. Espejo also scored the crucial hits, including three of the HD Spikers’ last three points in the extended third frame, where Cotabato briefly took the lead.
“Perhaps it was a collective effort. We're happy playing inside the court, and we worked together. When we huddle, we always have good vibes, and that's what we follow,” said Espejo.
“So there's no pressure, and we're just enjoying the game. Everything else will follow.”
Espejo, a former FC Tokyo import, is hopeful that Cignal HD Spikers can maintain their momentum in Game Two and reclaim the crown that they lost to National University last year.
“For now, we rest. Tomorrow, we'll analyze what we did wrong and where we're strong. I hope that on Friday, we'll get back to where we were before,” said Espejo.
The Cignal HD Spikers have been consistent throughout the tournament, and Marck Espejo has been instrumental in their success.
With his talent and leadership, Espejo has led the team to the finals, and with one game down, the HD Spikers are one step closer to the championship title.
However, with a determined AMC-Cotabato team on the other side of the net, Cignal knows that they can't afford to be complacent, and they'll have to give their best to win Game Two.
