Korean Air Jumbos’ Asian quarterback Mark Espejo (26) had the game of his life.
Korean Air snapped a three-game losing streak with a three-set victory (16-25, 25-23, 25-14, 25-23) against Korea Electric Power in the third round of the Dodram 2023-2024 V-League Men’s Division at 온라인카지노 Suwon Indoor Gymnasium on Wednesday, improving Korean Air to 9W6L, 28 points. They moved up to second place, overtaking Samsung Fire (10-5, 25 points).
Espejo was on fire on the day with 19 kills and a 55.56 percent attack percentage.
Espejo’s serve turned the tide. Espejo’s serve in particular saved the day. After dropping the first set, she clinched the second set 23-22 with a strong serve to win the match, and in the third set, she rattled her opponent with a strong serve from the start to take the early momentum.
Espejo’s serve is well known within the team. “In practice, it’s incredible. I thought I hadn’t gotten to zero yet because I just came to Korea, but I think I did today. I think he’s gained a lot of confidence and I’m looking forward to seeing him play every game.”
After the match, head coach Tommi Tilikainen said: “Espejo’s serve did a great job today. His serve changed the flow of the game,” said head coach Tommi Tilikainen.
“I knew what I had to do on my serve,” said Espejo. I knew I struggled in the last match, but I had my chance.”
Korean Air has a solid lineup of apogee spikers, including Kwak Seung-seok and Jeong Jung-yong. It won’t be easy for Espejo to get in. “There was no particular story,” Tilikainen said. Espejo trained and competed like a domestic player as usual. It’s not easy to bring in a new player in this situation, but we did it. I always treat every player fairly. If they want to play, they have to show it in competition. When the opportunity comes, I tell them to take it.”
“Even before I came to Korean Air, I heard that they had a good outside hitter,” said Espejo. I thought it was a healthy competition and I thought I could trust coach Tilikainen’s system. He put me in the middle of it and I tried to play to help the team, so it’s good to get the three points.”
Espejo’s top serve on the day reached 119 kilometers per hour. “It’s probably my best, but they don’t measure it in the Philippines,” said Espejo, who was surprised by the news.