Back and ready, Marck Espejo is embracing a role player’s mindset as he rejoins a thriving Criss Cross squad just in time for the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference round-robin semifinals.
Finally available after a long campaign with the Kubota Spears in Japan’s V.League, Espejo arrived last night and immediately suited up for the King Crunchers.
He made an immediate impact in their dominant 25-22, 25-18, 25-18 sweep of Savouge at the Ynares Sports Arena on Sunday.
Coming off the bench, the former league MVP tallied five points in his first Spikers’ Turf game in nearly a year.
“Masaya. Etong second year ng Criss Cross nakabalik ako, masaya rin ako na umabot ang Criss Cross sa semis,” said the former Ateneo star.
“Na-miss ko ‘to, na-miss ko ‘yung volleyball fans sa Pilipinas, ‘yung ambiance, ‘yung laro dito sa Pilipinas.”
After back-to-back silver finishes in its first two conferences in the league, Criss Cross looks determined to claim its elusive first championship.
The team cruised through the eliminations with a perfect 10-0 record — including two commanding victories over defending champion Cignal — solidifying its status as the top contender for the crown.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
Leading the charge is Jude Garcia, who continues to deliver MVP-caliber performances. Jaron Requinton has also emerged as a rising star after seeing limited action in his first two seasons with the squad.
Kim Malabunga, now fully recovered from a freak injury last conference, has rediscovered his lethal form. Teaming up with last year’s breakout star, Gian Glorioso, the duo has established a formidable presence in the middle. Meanwhile, Ish Polvorosa is orchestrating the offense at his best level yet for Criss Cross.
On the wings, Nico Almendras and Manuel Sumanguid have been the perfect complements, helping the King Crunchers function like a well-oiled machine in the season-opening tournament.
With the team firing on all cylinders, where does Espejo — one of the country’s most decorated volleyball players — fit into the equation?
“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,” said Espejo.
For now, the five-time UAAP MVP has fully embraced the idea of taking a step back, recognizing that the team has already found its rhythm. He is more than willing to play a supporting role, contributing in whatever way is needed without disrupting the team’s momentum.
“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 said.
“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.
While his exact role remains uncertain, one thing is clear — when Bundit calls his number, Espejo will be ready to deliver.
“Basta mag-ready lang daw ako, and ready naman ako sa lahat ng challenges.”
#WATCH: “NA-MISS KO ‘TO!”
Marck Espejo is all smiles as he reunites with friends at Criss Cross after months with Kubota Spears Osaka
@jonashdcd /Tiebreaker Times#SpikersTurf2025 pic.twitter.com/DjkryuFrzG
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) March 23, 2025
