Marck Espejo was benched in Criss Cross’ four-set triumph over PGJC-Navy on Friday in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Ynares Pasig Arena.
The 6-foot-3 open spiker actually started against the Sealions but was replaced by Pemie Bagalay from the second set onwards as Espejo finished with five points.
However, King Crunchers captain Ysay Marasigan is not worried about the slow start of his long-time teammate Espejo.
“Hinahabol pa lang din namin ‘yung kundisyon ni Marck kasi after his championship in South Korea, medyo nakabakasyon talaga siya,” said Marasigan.
“Hindi naman namin siya masisisi kasi first time niya ‘yun, i-celebrate niya ‘yun. Pero ayun, mahahabol niya ‘yun; kilala naman namin si Marck Espejo,” he added.
Espejo just returned to the Philippines on April 13, a day before Criss Cross’ big collision with Cignal. Prior to that, he came off a title run with Incheon Korean Air Jumbos in the Korean V-League.
Another reason why Marasigan is not bothered by Espejo’s seemingly slow integration with the King Crunchers is that all their setters have worked with Espejo at least once in their careers.
Criss Cross has Ish Polvorosa, Geuel Asia, and Vince Mangulabnan as their playmakers.
“Maganda naman kasi mostly naman sa amin, halos 80 percent naging teammates na ni Marck e, lalo na mga setters; lahat naging setter na niya ‘yun,” said Marasigan.
The King Crunchers can claim a semifinals ticket on Sunday when they go against the also-ran Philippine Air Force.
