By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Filipino volleyball star Marck Espejo helped FC Tokyo outduel the JT Thunders Hiroshima, 25-21, 25-18, 24-26, 25-17, and put up 16 points off 11 attacks and three blocks.
Espejo’s team-high point production was one of his best offensive outputs of the young season while also showing his defensive consistency with his three successful blocks.
The Ateneo Blue Eagles’ legend also sparked the Tokyo offense when they began to dominate in the spiking department.
Backstopping FC Tokyo is Norwegian import Jonas Kvalen who produced the same amount of attacks as Espejo with 16 points off 13 attacks and two service aces.
Despite defeating Hiroshima in just four sets, it was still a hard task cooling them down as Thunders import Thomas Edgar displayed his full offensive arsenal with 25 big points.
However, FC Tokyo’s more balanced attack proved to be the difference with Yanagimachi Hayata adding 15 points in the win.
FC Tokyo improved to 3-7 and is seeking to build on a winning streak to increase their chances of a V. League playoff appearance.
Meanwhile, co-Filipino Bryan Bagunas and the Oita Miyoshi volleyball club are aiming to end their disappointing seven-game losing streak against the JTEKT Stings.
