Marck Espejo commended Ateneo-Fudgee Barr’s three-headed monster of Kennedy Batas, Amil Pacinio, and Matthew Salarzon after he led Cignal to a straight sets victory over his alma mater, Thursday.
Batas and Salarzon dropped 10 points each for the Blue Eagles while Pacinio, who sat out the game due to a minor back injury, still suited up to support his teammates against the defending champions.
"For me, ang magi-improve pa sa kanila ay 'yung big three nila si Kennedy Batas, Amil Pacinio, saka Matthew Salarzon," said the five-time UAAP Most Valuable Player.
"Alam kong magiimprove pa sila and gagawin nila 'yung best nila. Dapat nakikinig kayo dito, senior niyo ko!" he added in jest.
The HD Spikers, who were still reeling from a four-set loss against PGJC-Navy – their first since 2019, immediately made their presence felt by racing to a 16-7 lead in the opener that eventually turned to a 25-14 victory.
Ateneo-Fudgee Barr came alive in the second but Louie Ramirez came alive late to put Cignal ahead, 2-0. The Blue Eagles then lost steam in the third as they committed crucial errors that gave the HD Spikers the victory.
Espejo, who also gave props to Ateneo-Fudgee Barr skipper Lance De Castro, said that he is looking forward to facing a complete Blue Eagles side that has Pacinio in the future.
"Hinihintay ko talaga makalaban 'yung Pacinio kaso hindi siya naglaro," said the Ateneo legend. "Siya 'yung nilu-look up ko na gusto kong targetin, gusto kong block-in kasi siya 'yung go-to guy ng team."
