In a high-stakes match at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, Marck Espejo rekindled the Criss Cross's fire as they faced PGJC-Navy in a pivotal encounter. Espejo, who had been relegated to the bench in previous games, reclaimed his starting position with vigor, showcasing his undeniable prowess on the court.
The King Crunchers, determined to secure a spot in the finals of the 2024 Spikers' Turf Open Conference, leaned heavily on Espejo's talent and leadership. The 6-foot-3 dynamo unleashed a stellar performance, amassing 17 points with an impressive 14-of-25 spike accuracy and three crucial blocks. Additionally, his defensive skills were on full display, as he notched nine excellent receptions out of 17 attempts.
Despite acknowledging that he is still fine-tuning his fitness and form following a vacation hiatus, Espejo expressed gratitude for being reinstated in the starting lineup. "Nakabalik na ako sa starting six. Hindi pa naman ako physically ready pero alam ko kung hanggang saan yung limit ko at ibibigay ko yung best ko para sa team na ito," shared the three-time league MVP.
Espejo's journey in the conference had been marked by challenges, including missing the first four games due to commitments with the Incheon Korean Air Jumbos in the Korean V-League. However, upon his return, he seamlessly integrated back into the team, delivering standout performances regardless of his role.
Against the D'Navigators, despite coming off the bench, Espejo led Criss Cross with 15 points, showcasing his unwavering dedication to the team's success. His professionalism and willingness to excel in any role assigned to him underscore his invaluable contribution to the squad.
"Kung ano yung ibigay nila sa akin na role, kahit hanggang saan ko kaya magcontribute gagawin ko talaga hanggang dulo," affirmed Espejo, emphasizing his commitment to the team's objectives.
As Criss Cross gears up for their final round-robin match against the HD Spikers, Espejo and his teammates are laser-focused on clinching a finals berth.
