Marck Espejo made sure to announce his arrival in the vaunted volleyball scene of Thailand on Sunday.
The 6-foot-3 outside hitter came through for Visakha Volleyball Club, delivering the goods in a four-set conquest of Prince Finance, 25-22, 25-21, 18-25, 25-22, to jumpstart their bid in the 2020 Volleyball Thailand League.
Espejo wasted no time making his presence felt on the Taraflex. He first let loose a blistering hit that went off the block in the early-goings, for his first point in the league. Not long after, he pummeled the set-clincher from the backrow to give his side an early buffer.
Then in the decisive fourth set, the 22-year-old connected once again from the backrow. This time, though, it was a highlight-reel hit; he served up a facial on Cambodian Soun Channaro while also giving Vishaka a 13-8 edge.
It was a rousing debut for Espejo, and he acknowledges that better things are yet to come, especially since it is his and fellow reinforcement Kaio Fabio Rocha’s first game.
“We started slow, that’s why the game was close. I think in the first set we were so complacent. We were relaxed but we got the set,” the five-time Spikers’ Turf MVP said in the post-game interview.
“Maybe we’re just waiting for the game to end. We were relaxed. Kaio and me, this is our first game. Hopefully, we better ourselves next game.”
This is Espejo’s second tour of duty. Prior to this, he suited up for Oita Miyoshi Weisse Adler in the Japan V. Premier League.
