Marck Espejo is back—and while his role may be different this time around, his impact remains undeniable.
Fresh from a grueling campaign with Japan’s Kubota Spears Osaka, Espejo wasted no time in reuniting with his home squad, Criss Cross, just in time for the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference round-robin semifinals. Arriving late Saturday night, he suited up immediately and made his presence felt in the King Crunchers’ dominant 25-22, 25-18, 25-18 sweep of Savouge at the Ynares Sports Arena.
Coming off the bench, the former league MVP tallied five points in his first Spikers’ Turf appearance in nearly a year. More than the numbers, his return injected an added layer of confidence to a Criss Cross squad that has been firing on all cylinders this season.
“Masaya. Etong second year ng Criss Cross nakabalik ako, masaya rin ako na umabot ang Criss Cross sa semis,” said Espejo. “Na-miss ko ‘to, na-miss ko ‘yung volleyball fans sa Pilipinas, ‘yung ambiance, ‘yung laro dito sa Pilipinas.”
Criss Cross has been relentless in its pursuit of its first championship after back-to-back runner-up finishes in its first two Spikers’ Turf conferences. The team breezed through the elimination round with a perfect 10-0 record, including two commanding victories over defending champion Cignal—establishing itself as the heavy favorite for the title.
Jude Garcia has led the charge with MVP-caliber performances, while Jaron Requinton has flourished in an expanded role. Middle blockers Kim Malabunga and Gian Glorioso have formed a formidable tandem at the net, while Ish Polvorosa’s orchestration of the offense has kept the team running like a well-oiled machine.
On the wings, Nico Almendras and Manuel Sumanguid have provided the firepower, ensuring that Criss Cross maintains its aggressive and fluid style of play.
So where does Espejo fit into all of this?
“Ready lang ako. Sinabi naman ni Coach Tai (Bundit) na hinihintay niya ako at may mga plans din siya sa akin kung papaano niya ako ipapasok sa rotation. Siguro magpapabalik muna ako sa condition ng katawan,” shared the five-time UAAP MVP.
Unlike his previous stints where he was the clear-cut star, Espejo recognizes that Criss Cross has already built a winning formula. Rather than disrupting the chemistry, he is fully embracing a supporting role, willing to contribute in any way necessary.
“Siguro magiging role ko na lang is kumbaga maging role player. Ready na lang ako kung anong ibibigay na task sa’kin ni Coach Tai (Bundit), kung saan ‘mang pwesto, tutulungan ko lang ‘yung team,” he explained.
More than just a scoring option, Espejo understands that his experience and leadership will be just as valuable, especially with the squad on the cusp of history.
“Siguro dahil isa ako sa mga senior players sa team, I hope ma-guide ko rin sila sa loob at outside the court. Maganda ‘yung pinapakita nila this conference and I hope magtuluy-tuloy hanggang dulo,” he added.
His exact role may still be a work in progress, but one thing is certain: when Coach Tai Bundit calls his number, Espejo will be ready.
“Basta mag-ready lang daw ako, and ready naman ako sa lahat ng challenges.”
