Marck Espejo saw a familiar jersey of blue and white on the other side of the net last Thursday.
This as Cignal swept Ateneo de Manila University-Fudgee Barr, 25-14, 25-23, 25-22, in the 2022 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Paco Arena.
And for the three-time men’s premier league Season MVP, despite the straight-sets triumph, four Blue Eagles caught his eye.
“For me na magiimprove pa sa kanila ay ‘yung big three nila si Kennedy Batas, Amil Pacinio, saka Matthew Salarzon,” said Espejo, a five-time UAAP Season MVP.
“Alam kong magiimprove pa sila and gagawin nila ‘yung best nila. Dapat nakikinig kayo dito, senior niyo ko!” he added jokingly.
Batas and Salarzon led Ateneo-Fudgee Barr with 10 points apiece, with the latter adding eight excellent receptions.
Meanwhile, Pacinio was in uniform but did not play due to a minor back injury, to Espejo’s dismay. He was looking forward to having a face-to-face encounter with the former.
Pacinio is still fifth in the scoring race despite missing a game with 58 points, while running second in the spiking category at 45.69-percent success rate.
“Hinihintay ko talaga makalaban ‘yung Pacinio kaso hindi siya naglaro,” said Espejo, already regarded as an Ateneo legend in volleyball.
“Siya ‘yung nilu-look up ko na gusto kong targetin, gusto kong block-in kasi siya ‘yung go-to guy ng team.”
Espejo also commended the steady presence and vocal on-court leadership of Blue Eagle libero Lance De Castro, who had eight excellent receptions and six digs.
