Marck Espejo orchestrated a breathtaking comeback for Criss Cross, propelling them to a remarkable victory over Cignal and securing a coveted spot in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference finals last Sunday.
Facing a daunting two-set deficit, Espejo emerged as the catalyst for the King Crunchers' miraculous turnaround, orchestrating a thrilling 18-25, 21-25, 25-22, 25-22, 17-15 reverse sweep of the HD Spikers.
With their backs against the wall, Criss Cross summoned every ounce of their strength and skill to clinch the last berth in the championship clash, set to unfold at the illustrious Rizal Memorial Coliseum this Sunday.
The former league MVP delivered a masterclass performance, notching a personal conference-high of 28 points, fueled by 21 powerful attacks, four aces, and three crucial blocks.
However, Espejo's impact transcended mere statistics, as his unwavering resolve and leadership proved instrumental in turning the tide for Criss Cross after a disheartening 0-2 start.
Reflecting on the pivotal moment in the match, Espejo shared insights from their strategic huddle, stating, "During the third set... before we started the third set, we talked in our huddle, we said we would just enjoy our game. Win or lose, give it our all, 100 percent. At least no regrets."
He continued, "During the third set, we were just waiting for that spark to enjoy ourselves on the court. And then, everyone stepped up, matched the performance. That's the Criss Cross system—enjoying the game on the court, no regrets, and then one by one, we earned the points, and eventually, the win."
Espejo's infectious energy revitalized the King Crunchers, igniting a flurry of spirited celebrations after each point, including exuberant knee slides that electrified his teammates and galvanized the entire squad.
His passionate displays spurred Criss Cross to fend off Cignal in fiercely contested third and fourth sets, setting the stage for a nail-biting climax in the fifth frame.
"I don't know, it just came to my mind that maybe I need to celebrate every point because when one person celebrates, everyone follows suit, so... everyone became leaders on the court," Espejo remarked, highlighting the collective unity and resilience that fueled their remarkable resurgence.
