Louie Ramirez stepped up for Marck Espejo when he hurt his left Achilles in Cignal’s straight sets win over VNS-One Alicia last Saturday.
And when the HD Spikers rookie went down with a minor injury on his left knee against PGJC-Navy on Tuesday night, Espejo made sure to take over and step up for him as well.
The former league MVP scored 16 points on 11 attacks, four kill blocks, and an ace in the team’s 25-22, 25-21, 25-20 semifinal win over the Sealions that helped them advance to the 2022 Spikers’ turf Open Conference finals.
“Sabi nga ni Louie, ‘Always ready naman’ po,” said Espejo, before bursting into laughter. ”Always ready naman po ako syempre kasi it’s now or never. Ito na yung game na parang judgment day.”
Espejo also said that the win was an all-around effort coming from the squad with the likes of Alfred Valbuena, Rex Intal, Geuel Asia, and Edmar Bonono stepping up as well.
“Masaya ako kasi yung game na ‘to, team effort,” said Espejo.
“Lahat nag-contribute from sa quality time nila Alfred [Valbuena] and Geuel [Asia], may na-injured, may pinasok at nag-perform and sobrang happy lang ako na itong game na ‘tp lahat nag-trabaho,” he added.
Next up for Espejo and co. is the National University-Sta. Elena in the finale this coming Thursday.
The national team star said that the game between the top club team and the best collegiate squad in the Philippines will surely be a treat for volleyball fans.
“Masaya po kasi number one club team sa Pilipinas at number one university team sa Pilipinas maglalaban. Sabi nga ni coach Dex [Clamor] exciting match ‘to and nilu-look forward ko ulit na makalaban ulit sila and makabawi sa pagkatalo namin last time.”
