As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end.
While facing the upset-seeking Sta. Elena, the Cignal HD Spikers suffered their first defeat in the 2019 Spikers’ Turf Reinforced Conference, putting an end to their elimination round dominance.
Four-time Spikers’ Turf Most Valuable Player Marck Espejo admitted that their four-set loss was something of a wake-up call for Cignal, since the team were becoming complacent after each win.
“Siyempre, first talo nga. Sinabi nga namin sa [dug out] kanina na yung ibang teams nga natatalo, so pwede rin kaming matalo,” said 22-year-old stalwart out of Ateneo, who had 17 points and 27 excellent receptions in the game.
“Kami yung gauge nila, kami yung pinaghahandaan nila. So para sa amin, wake up call nga, so sa mga next games namin, ito yung magiging lesson namin,” he continued.
“Heads up lang, positive lang, kasi buti natalo kami eliminations pa lang. May time pa para mag-adjust.”
For Espejo, however, one thing that will never end is the bond that he has formed with his old pal and now Sta. Elena star Edward Camposano.
Espejo and Camposano have known each other for a long time now. They both represented Manila in the Palarong Pambansa meet during their grade school and high school days.
Their paths crossed once again when they suited up for the Philippine Men’s Under-23 Volleyball National Team back in 2015.
The two then separated. Espejo flourished in Ateneo, while Edward Camposano floundered in UE before transferring to NU.
Despite the loss, Espejo is still glad to see that Camposano’s career is flourishing with his new squad.
“Nung elementary nagkasama kami sa NCR, Palarong Pambansa. Naging close ko si Edward kasi bata pa lang magkasama na kami, magkatabi kami natutulog niyan,” said Espejo about Camposano, who had 16 points on 13 attacks, two blocks, and an ace in the game.
“Last na nakasama ko siya Under-23 pa. Ngayon sobrang natutuwa ako kasi coming from injury, ngayon nakabalik na siya. Tapos natutuwa siya kasama niya mga teammates niya ngayon.”
Furthermore, Espejo can’t wait to see Camposano find his niche come the UAAP season.
“Sana this coming UAAP magamit na siya and mapakita niya talaga yung pinaghirapan niya ngayong off-season.”
