Marck Espejo took full responsibility for the Criss Cross King Crunchers' Game 3 loss in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference Finals, vowing to grow further from the experience.
Criss Cross star Marck Espejo didn’t hide behind the heartbreak of a stinging Game 3 defeat.
Instead, Espejo took full responsibility after their 22-25, 16-25, 26-28 collapse at the hands of three-peat champions Cignal in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference Finals.
Leading 26-25 in the third set, Espejo had a chance to extend the match, but his attack sailed wide, allowing the HD Spikers to tie the game.
On the next play, he was blocked by Owa Retamar and Lloyd Josafat, flipping the momentum to Cignal. Moments later, Steven Rotter’s strong serve set up the game-winner, with Espejo unable to keep the ball alive.
“Inaako ko na lang ‘yung set na ‘yun kasi I feel like ako ‘yung nagpatalo,” said the former MVP. “Ganun po talaga, babawi na lang. Part pa rin ‘yun ng pag-grow as a player.”
Despite the loss, Espejo remained proud of his teammates, particularly the reserve players who stepped up in the do-or-die game.
“Masaya ako na ‘yung mga galing bench nag-step up. Pero ayun, ako talaga ‘yung nagpatalo ng third set. Sa akin ‘yun.”
While Criss Cross fell short of its first-ever title, Espejo still saw their runner-up finish as a step forward for the young franchise, pushing Cignal to the limit.
“Achievement pa rin ‘to. Last time, natalo kami agad, pero ngayon, nanalo kami ng isang game sa Finals laban sa Cignal, na sweep nila ‘yung eliminations at semis. Kinulang lang sa dulo.”
Still, Espejo knows there’s work to be done, especially in the mental aspect of the game.
“Siguro nagkulang kami sa mental toughness, ‘yung championship mindset,” he admitted. “Knowing Cignal, lagi silang nasa Finals, alam nila paano maglaro sa ganung pressure. Kami sa Criss Cross, medyo kulang pa kami ro’n.”
[ALSO READ: Jude Garcia makes Spikers’ Turf history with third straight MVP; Steven Rotter named Finals MVP]
With added fuel for the next conference, Espejo and the King Crunchers continue their hunt for their first Spikers’ Turf title.