Criss Cross King Crunchers’ Marck Espejo.–SPIKERS’ TURF PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Marck Espejo took matters into his own hands to lift Criss Cross to the championship stage of the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference.
Losing the first two sets didn’t stop Espejo from turning the tide in favor of the King Crunchers to pull off a dramatic 18-25, 21-25, 25-22, 25-22, 17-15 win over the Bryan Bagunas-led Cignal HD Spikers on Sunday at Rizal Memorial Coliseum to forge a best-of-three titular series.
The returning outside hitter, who won a title in the Korean V-League, unleashed a team-high 28 points built on 21 attacks, three blocks, and four aces, earning the final Spikers’ Turf Player of the Week citation this conference for the period of May 1 to 5.
READ: Criss Cross stuns Cignal to reach Spikers’ Turf Finals
Coach Tai Bundit’s “Happy, happy” mantra fueled his best game so far as a King Cruncher.
“Napag-usapan namin sa huddle namin na i-enjoy lang namin yung game. Manalo, matalo, 100 percent. At least no regrets. Nung third set may naghihintay lang talaga na mag-spark na mag-enjoy kami sa loob ng court,” said Espejo.
The newest Spikers’ Turf club needed to earn its finals ticket the hard way after falling to the D’Navigators, 25-16, 25-27, 21-25, 17-25, where the former Ateneo Blue Eagle produced 15 points off 13 attacks and two aces.
With their backs against the wall, the King Crunchers made sure to bounce back in their second semis assignment, sweeping the PGJC-Navy Sea Lions, 25-15, 25-16, 25-12, with Espejo unloading 17 points from 14 attacks and three blocks on top of nine excellent receptions.
READ: Marck Espejo wins first pro title in Korea V-League
His steady performance for Criss Cross drew 10 votes among the scribes covering the league organized by Sports Vision, outshining Cignal star Bagunas, PGJC-Navy Sea Lion Greg Dolor, and D’Navigators spiker Edward Camposano.
The brewing rivalry continues between the King Crunchers and HD Spikers in Finals Game 1 on Wednesday streamed live on www.spikersturf.ph.
Returning to the Spikers’ Turf Finals a year after leading Cignal to an Open Conference title run, Espejo will be on the other side of the net, this time, seeking to seize the moment with his new team, Criss Cross.
“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.