Though he is not yet at full strength, Marck Espejo promises that he will be in top condition to help the Criss Cross King Crunchers make a deep run in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference.
Marck Espejo admitted that he is still not in peak volleyball shape as the Criss Cross King Crunchers brace for the round-robin semifinals of the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference.
Coming off a triumphant stint with the Incheon Korean Air Jumbos in the 2023-24 Korean V-League, where he won his first professional title, Espejo scaled back on his workload, deciding to rest and recharge in South Korea for over a week before returning to the Philippines.
After arriving in Manila on April 13, Espejo was not in his top condition but he suited up for the colossal clash between Criss Cross and defending champion Cignal, where he poured 19 points in the five-set loss.
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In the following three matches for Criss Cross, Espejo either started the opening set but then sat out the remaining sets, or he came off the bench.
“Hindi naman worrying pero hindi pa ako physically ready kasi parang galing ako sa pahinga na mahaba, walang training tapos naglaro. Sa training naghahabol pa ako, so medyo nauubos lagi,” Espejo said.
“Kung ano lang naman na ibigay sa akin na role gagawin ko.”
This measured approach is a departure from Espejo’s usual high-intensity play, but it's necessary to ensure he regains his strength and stamina.
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King Crunchers captain Ysay Marasigan fully understands his longtime teammate's position and is supportive of the need for a more gradual return to form.
“Hinahabol pa lang din namin 'yung kundisyon ni Marck kasi after his championship in South Korea, medyo nakabakasyon talaga siya. Hindi naman namin siya masisisi kasi first time niya 'yun, i-celebrate niya 'yun,” Marasigan said.
“Pero ayun, mahahabol niya 'yun, kilala naman namin si Marck Espejo.”
Though he is not yet at full strength, Espejo is confident that he will be in prime shape to help Criss Cross make a deep run in the tournament.
“Maghahanda ako hanggang Finals na makabalik. Not hundred percent but physically ready, mentally ready and I hope na matulungan ko ‘yung team kung anong kaya ko ibigay,” he said.