Marck Espejo hopes to up his game even further for Alas Pilipinas as they look forward to more preparations for the 2025 FIVB Men's Volleyball World Championship.
Call it vintage Marck Espejo or what you will.
Espejo came alive at the most opportune time as he powered Alas Pilipinas to a huge five-set victory over Thailand, 25-21, 21-25, 25-22, 21-25, 15-11, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Thursday, June 12.
The Ateneo Blue Eagles legend poured in 31 big points built on 24 attacks, one block, and six service aces as Alas Men completed the three-day Invitationals sweep.
“Masaya kasi huling panalo ko against Thailand was 2019 pero hindi naman ito ‘yung magba-base talaga kasi Invitationals lang ito. Parang ito lang ‘yung gauge namin kung nasaan ‘yung team pero siyempre, beating Thailand nakaka-boost ng confidence,” Espejo told reporters.
After struggling to find his form in the past year, Espejo is hopeful to find his deadly form for the national team, heading into the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship.
“Siyempre lahat naman tayo parang walang limit ‘yung expectations sa sarili natin. Kung kaya i-push nang sobra-sobra, i-push talaga,” he explained. “Feel ko marami pang puwedeng lumabas [sa laro ko], hopefully.”
With 92 days left before the World Championships, Espejo and the rest of Alas Men will embark on several tournaments and friendlies as preparation for the tournament, which will be held in Manila.
[ALSO READ: Marck Espejo pledges full commitment for 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship]
For now, the 28-year-old outside hitter is hoping that volleyball fans will continue to flock to the venues to show support for the men’s national team.
“Siyempre, alam naman natin dito sa Philippines, women’s volleyball talaga pero ito ngayon, itong men’s volleyball umaangat na rin at siyempre di naman dahil din samin ‘yun, dahil din talaga sa sumusuporta na fans,” said Espejo.
“Sa dadating na World Championships, inaasahan po namin na suportahan niyo po talaga namin—kahit kalaban namin Japan, please kami suportahan niyo. Manalo, matalo, victory ito ng Philippines,” he ended.