Though his return to the Philippine volleyball scene resulted in a loss to his former team Cignal HD Spikers, it did not dampen Marck Espejo's excitement to see more action with the Criss Cross King Crunchers in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference
Marck Espejo’s much-anticipated homecoming may have ended on a losing note on Sunday night, but the well-traveled outside hitter just simply feels glad to be back.
In his Criss Cross debut, Espejo and the King Crunchers lost hold of a 2-1 set lead, falling over the Bryan Bagunas-led Cignal HD Spikers in a cardiac five-set affair in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the PhilSports Arena.
Espejo, who only arrived in the country last Saturday after helping the Incheon Korean Air Jumbos capture the Korean V.League title over a week ago, finished with 19 points on 15 attacks, three blocks, and an ace.
[ALSO READ: Marck Espejo joins Filipino international champions club as Incheon repeats as KOVO winner]
“Pagod po, pagod [pero] masaya kasi makakalaro na ulit ako sa Spikers’ Turf with my local club, itong Criss Cross,” the 6-foot-3 high-flyer said.
Espejo’s return to the Philippine circuit also marked the first time he faced off against his former squad Cignal, which he led to three championships in the Spikers’ Turf, including last year's perfect run in the Open Conference.
The 27-year-old found it challenging to express the exact sentiments of facing a team he had been a part of for over five years.
[ALSO READ: New journey: Marck Espejo bids Cignal farewell after five years]
Nevertheless, one thing remains certain: whether it's his former comrades or any other opponent, he approaches competition with utmost seriousness.
“Hindi ko ma-explain kasi kahit naman former team ko ‘yun, kapag nasa loob ako ng court kalaban ko talaga sila,” the former Ateneo star said.
Espejo, who only started training with Criss Cross last Saturday, is eager to bring out the best in the King Crunchers in hopes of giving the HD Spikers a tougher fight in the next chapters of their brewing rivalry.
“I hope na sa mga next matches namin na makakalaban namin ‘yung Cignal, mailabas namin ‘yung best namin and excited ako ulit na maglaro sa Pilipinas,” Espejo said.