Espejo returns to reinforce PH team in AVC Cup 

Decorated volleyball player Marck Espejo is set for a return in the Philippine men's volleyball team, reinforcing the nationals in the AVC Challenge Cup in Taiwan next month.

As part of the national team's preparation for the said tournament, Espejo and company will face the Netherlands and China in a closed-door tune-up games here in the Philippines.

The Netherlands and China are set to come over here in the Philippines to compete in the Volleyball Nations League this July.

Marck Espejo SPIKERS’ TURF PHOTO

“I'm happy that I'm back with the national team and it's a great opportunity to play, facing countries like the Netherlands. It's going to be a big exposure for us players,” Espejo told reporters on Monday, June 19 following the VNL press conference at the Diamond Hotel in Manila.

“Coach Sergio Veloso said that we should just give our 110 percent every time and we look forward to showcasing what he has been teaching us,” added Espejo, who skipped the national team's campaign in the 32nd SEA Games last month.

The 26-year-old Espejo, who is set to play for the Incheon Korean Air Jumbos later this year, said that Filipinos are at par with other countries skills-wise.

It is in the chemistry part that the nationals will truly be tested.

“Skills-wise, we're right up there. We just have to strengthen the jelling of the team, that familiarity with one another,” said Espejo, who had stints in Japan, Thailand, and Bahrain.

“We're at par with other countries in terms of skill but we have to strengthen our chemistry.”