Marck Espejo openly acknowledged the team's relaxed demeanor as a contributing factor to their unexpected loss against the D’Navigators in the round-robin semifinals.
The King Crunchers seemed poised for victory, dominating the initial frame with finesse. However, their grip loosened in the subsequent sets, allowing the D’Navigators to snatch a 16-25, 27-25, 25-21, 25-17 triumph at the iconic Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
"Sa amin, siguro masyado kaming nag-relax. Super nag-relax kami na feeling namin kaya naming manalo, kaya namin silang talunin. Pero ayun nga, nag-perform sila, mas gusto nilang manalo kesa sa amin so ayun kaya kami natalo," confessed the former league MVP, Espejo.
Despite initially playing conservatively, Espejo unleashed his full prowess in the latter sets, culminating in a commendable 15-point contribution for Criss Cross, comprising 13 attacks and two aces.
When queried about his physical condition, Espejo opted not to dwell on any injuries, refusing to use them as an excuse for their defeat.
"I mean, ayoko namang magsalita kasi syempre excuse po yun eh. Pero yun nga, kung ano lang kaya kong i-contribute, gagawin ko," he asserted, emphasizing his commitment to the team's cause.
Transitioning from his stint with the Korean Air Jumbos in the Korean V-League, Espejo appreciated the cautious approach of the team's trainers and Coach Tai (Bundit), recognizing his gradual return to form.
"Naiintindihan lang talaga ako ng mga PT, conditioning, saka ni Coach Tai (Bundit). Siguro dinadahan-dahan lang nila ako kasi galing talaga akong pahinga. Feeling ko naman nakaka-recover ako paunti-unti and ayun, siguro kung ano yung nakita niyo sa last set, yun na yung gagawin namin hanggang matapos," he elaborated.
In a display of sportsmanship, Espejo applauded the D’Navigators for their remarkable improvement since the elimination round.
"Actually, gusto ko rin i-commend din yung D’Navigators sa performance nila today. As in malayong malayo yung performance nila nung eliminations so good job sa kanila," he remarked, acknowledging the adversary's prowess.
Looking ahead, the five-time UAAP champion urged his teammates to ignite their competitive spirit in their upcoming showdown against PGJC-Navy, scheduled for Friday at 6:00 p.m.
"Siguro mas lagyan pa namin ng fire sa ice namin kasi parang naglalaro lang kami kasi gusto naming maglaro, kailangan naming maglaro para manalo naman. Kasi kahit na bagong team kami, parang may chance rin kami na umabot sa finals," he concluded optimistically, signaling their determination to bounce back stronger.
