Criss Cross King Crunchers Marck Bagunas in the Spikers Turf Open Conference Finals. –PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Despite getting swept by Cignal, Marck Espejo and Criss Cross feel that a silver medal in their maiden campaign in the Spikers’ Turf is nothing to be ashamed of.
Espejo, who had 17 points and 11 excellent receptions, fell to Bryan Bagunas and his former team Cignal, 25-23, 27-25, 25-21, in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference Finals Game 2 on Friday at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
“We’re happy we reached the Finals. We didn’t get our goal but I’m happy we still got a silver in our first season,” said Espejo, who signed with Rebisco before the Open Conference.
READ: Spikers’ Turf: Criss Cross turns to Espejo in finals-clinching win
“It was doable but I guess Cignal wanted it more and they have better chemistry. We’ll bounce back next conference.
Espejo, who won a title in South Korea during his stint in the V.League, believes this setback will only make them stronger next conference.
“No. 1, we need a sense of urgency and no. 2, we need to fix our ball control. I guess over time we’ll be able to work on being one as a team. We just started four to six months ago and we already reached the Final so this is an achievement for us.”
The Philippine men’s volleyball star relished his duel with Bagunas and his former teammates.
READ: Marck Espejo banners Ateneo-laden Criss Cross in Spikers’ Turf
“The level of competition here in the Spikers’ Turf improved. That’s what we’ve always wanted ever since,” said Espejo.
“We hope to start that now. I hope more companies put up clubs so star players from UAAP, NCAA and other places have somewhere to go.”
He also credited Rebisco for the growth of Philippine volleyball by forming a men’s club team after Creamline and Choco Mucho’s success in the PVL.
“We’re blessed and happy with Rebisco and sir Jonathan Ng. They’re the first ones who moved to improve the level of volleyball in the Philippines,” Espejo said.
“Now there’s a contender against Cignal because for the past years when you say Spikers’ Turf you always think of Cignal. I hope more teams join next conference.”
Espejo will get his well-deserved rest after the V-League and Spikers’ Turf, but he reaffirmed his commitment to the national team amid his possible next overseas stint.
“I will play for the national team and we’ll see where we go after that,” he said.