Marck Espejo saved the day for Criss Cross by spearheading the team’s massive come-from-behind victory over Cignal, clinching a spot in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference finals.
Down two sets to none, Espejo delivered an outstanding performance as the King Crunchers executed an 18-25, 21-25, 25-22, 25-22, 17-15 reverse sweep of the HD Spikers.
With the win, they secured the last slot in the finale on Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
The former league MVP scored a personal conference-high of 28 points with 21 attacks, four aces, and three blocks. But his impact on the court was bigger than his scoreline, ultimately turning things around for Criss Cross after falling into a 0-2 hole.
“Nung third set nga… bago mag-start yung third set, napag-usapan namin sa huddle namin, sinabi namin na i-enjoy lang namin yung game namin. Manalo, matalo, 100 percent. At least no regrets,” said Espejo.
“Nung third set may naghihintay lang talaga na mag-spark na mag-enjoy kami sa loob ng court. Yun, lahat naman nag-step up, nasabayan ng performance, yun yung Criss Cross na sistema – yung nage-enjoy sa loob ng court, no regrets. Tapos yun one by one nakukuha yung puntos, tsaka yung panalo,” he added.
Espejo provided the energy that the King Crunchers needed to snap out of their funk. He cheered after every point and even engaged in different kinds of celebrations, including spirited knee slides to the delight of his teammates.
The five-time UAAP MVP’s actions worked. Criss Cross fended off Cignal in the third and fourth sets, before eventually escaping the defending champs in the highly contested fifth frame.
And with that, they will now contest the best-of-three finals.
“Di ko rin alam, parang pumasok nalang talaga sa isip ko na, siguro kailangan ko i-celebrate every point kasi kapag may nag-celebrate talaga na isa, lahat susunod na eh, so… naging leader lahat sa loob ng court,” said Espejo.
“Tas siguro nabuhay ko rin yung mga bench na kada celebration, yung teammates ko. Ayun yung turning point siguro, yung game-changer, yung celebration tsaka sa service siguro.”
