Facing the school that molded him into one of the best spikers in the country today, five-time Spikers’ Turf MVP Marck Espejo made sure to show Ateneo de Manila University his vastly-improved game.
“Ayun nga, Alma Mater. Siyempre parang nandoon ‘yung eagerness para ipakita ‘yung nabigay nila sa ’yo na talent,” said Espejo.
Espejo – who won three titles in the UAAP as a Blue Eagle – topped the scoring charts with 13 points, leading his Cignal squad to a three-set triumph over Ateneo, while also clinching the first ticket in the semifinals.
“Pero ayun nga, kahit anong kalaban, same lang naman ‘yung tingin namin – kailangan manalo. Every point matter[s], so ayun,” he added.
The hard-hitting son of Marikina also bagged five MVP plums in Katipunan — a feat only two other student-athletes have achieved in the entire history of the UAAP.
Espejo’s stellar collegiate run with the Blue Eagles became his ticket to the international scene, as he signed with the Oita Miyoshi Weisse Adler as an import a year ago. And he cannot thank Ateneo enough for all the blessings that followed.
Despite Ateneo’s poor showing against Cignal, Espejo believes that it is only a matter of time before the Blue Eagles finally reclaim their glory in the UAAP.
“Parang hindi nila naipakita ‘yung mismong Ateneo, kasi nung laban nila sa Air Force, maganda ‘yung laro nila. Pero ngayon, ‘yung against sa Cignal, parang lahat sila pilit,” Espejo explained.
“Oo naman. Kakayanin nila ‘yan pagdating ng UAAP.”
