Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times
(C) Joaqui Flores/ Spikers Turf

News

Marck Espejo mum on injury status, focused on contribution to Criss Cross


Marck Espejo admitted that Criss Cross relaxed, a major factor in their shocking loss to the D’Navigators in the opening of the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference round-robin semifinals.

The King Crunchers actually dominated the opening frame before eventually losing grasp of the game in the next three.

That allowed the D’Navigators to take a 16-25, 27-25, 25-21, 25-17 win at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

“Sa amin, siguro masyado kaming nag-relax. Super nag-relax kami na feeling namin kaya naming manalo, kaya namin silang talunin,” said the former league MVP.

“Pero ayun nga, nag-perform sila. Mas gusto nilang manalo kesa sa amin, so ayun, kaya kami natalo.”

Espejo had been playing limited minutes for Criss Cross, but eventually went all-out in the last two sets to finish with a team-high 15 points on 13 attacks and two aces.

Previously, he’d been reduced to a bench role in the King Crunchers’ last three elimination round games.

When asked if he’s nursing any injuries, Espejo respectfully declined to comment on his status, stating that he doesn’t want to use it as an excuse.

ST-2024-Semis-Criss-Cross-vs.-DNavigators-2632 Marck Espejo mum on injury status, focused on contribution to Criss Cross News Spikers' Turf Volleyball  - philippine sports news

(C) Joaqui Flores/ Spikers Turf

“I mean, ayoko namang magsalita kasi siyempre excuse po yun eh. Pero yun nga, kung ano lang kaya kong i-contribute, gagawin ko,” said the 27-year-old outside spiker, who only joined Criss Cross midway into the preliminaries due to his stint with the Korean Air Jumbos in the Korean V-League.

“Naiintindihan lang talaga ako ng mga PT, conditioning, saka ni Coach Tai (Bundit). Siguro dinadahan-dahan lang nila ako kasi galing talaga akong pahinga,” he continued. “Feeling ko naman nakaka-recover ako paunti-unti and ayun… Siguro kung ano yung nakita niyo sa last set, yun na yung gagawin namin hanggang matapos.

“Gagawin ko yung best ko, yung best namin para maka-recover.”

Espejo also commended the D’Navigators for their impressive performance, saying that the team made great strides since the elimination round.

#ReadMore  Marck Espejo named to V.League All-Stars

“Actually, gusto ko rin i-commend din yung D’Navigators sa performance nila today. As in malayong malayo yung performance nila nung eliminations so good job sa kanila,” he said.

As for his squad, the five-time UAAP champion said that he wants to see more fire in his teammates come the next game as they look to avoid elimination against PGJC-Navy on Friday, 6:00 PM.

“Siguro mas lagyan pa namin ng fire sa ice namin kasi parang naglalaro lang kami kasi gusto naming maglaro. Kailangan naming maglaro para manalo naman. Kasi kahit na bagong team kami, parang may chance rin kami na umabot sa finals.”

Written By


You May Also Like

Alas Pilipinas

Steven Rotter stood tall as Alas Pilipinas Men capped off their 2025 AVC Men’s Nations Cup campaign on a high note, outlasting New Zealand...

DLSU

Menard Guerrero of De La Salle University and Popoy Colinares of University of Santo Tomas have taken the next step in their blossoming volleyball...

Alas Pilipinas

Alas Pilipinas Men saw their title hopes dashed in the 2025 AVC Men’s Nations Cup following a hard-fought defeat, 19-25, 25-23, 28-30, 20-25, to...

Alas Pilipinas

Leo Ordiales stood out for Alas Pilipinas Men in an otherwise challenging start to their 2025 AVC Men’s Nations Cup campaign, as the team...

Alas Pilipinas

After barely sharing the court in their first two games, Buds Buddin finally lived his long-awaited dream of playing alongside his volleyball idol, Marck...

Alas Pilipinas

With the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship fast approaching, Alas Pilipinas may have found its spark — and it’s none other than Marck...

Alas Pilipinas

Kim Malabunga saved his best for last, delivering his finest performance for Alas Pilipinas in the Invitational tournament with a clutch showing against regional...

Alas Pilipinas

Marck Espejo erupted for 30 points as Alas Pilipinas overcame a fourth-set stumble to pull off a thrilling 21-25, 25-21, 25-22, 21-25, 15-12 five-set...

Advertisement