Marck Espejo admits SEA Games rivals too strong for young Pinoys: ‘Malakas magsipalo. Konti na lang mababali na buto namin’

SINGAPORE — Marck Espejo put up good numbers for the Philippines in the 28th Southeast Asian Games volleyball tournament, but the reigning UAAP Most Valuable Player stresses his play is still very far from the best in the region.

The high-leaping and power-spiking Espejo scored double figures in all the matches in trying to bring the Philippines to the semifinals.

But that simply wasn’t enough and the Philippine team finished with a 1-2 win-loss slate to end their campaign in the SEA Games.

Despite being consistent during the preliminaries, the 18-year-old Espejo feels that his game is still not at par with the best in Southeast Asia.

“Sa tingin ko, hindi pa po,” said Espejo on Sunday. “Masyado pa akong bata. Siguro dinadaan ko lang sa lakas ng katawan.”

Espejo said he definitely learned a lot from playing against the best in Southeast Asia including reigning gold medalist Thailand, which beat them in straight sets on Sunday.

“Kapag sa laban, sa service, receive lang din nagkakatalo ’yung laro. Defense ’yung natutunan namin sa kanila.

“Kulang din kami sa height. Matatangkad sila tapos malalaki katawan, malakas magsipalo. Konti na lang mababali na buto namin,” said Espejo with a smile.

 Here's a video of the post-match interview:

Source: Reuben Terrado of Spin.ph