By: Christian David Ruiz
Jude Garcia clinched his second consecutive MVP of the Conference award in the Spikers’ Turf, but for the second straight time, his Criss Cross squad fell short of dethroning Cignal’s dominance.
It was a bittersweet moment for the MVP of the 2024 Open and Invitational Conferences, as he earned the top individual honor while the league’s most coveted trophy remained out of reach.
The HD Spikers delivered a statement performance in the gold medal match, sweeping the King Crunchers in straight sets, 25-19, 25-19, 26-24, in front of a massive crowd at the Philsports Arena on Sunday.
For Garcia, a three-time Spikers’ Turf Press Corps Player of the Week, the loss served as fuel to improve, grow stronger, and continue striving to be his best.
“So, parang kumbaga, kinapos kami ngayong season, ngayong patapos ng taon, pero may time pa kami makabawi next year so talagang kailangan namin magprepare for next conference ulit,” Garcia said.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
The 5-foot-11 outside spiker from Far Eastern University was the only double-digit scorer for the King Crunchers in the one-game finale, tallying 18 points.
Ysay Marasigan contributed nine points, while Best Middle Blocker Gian Glorioso and Best Outside Spiker Nico Almendras added seven points each.
Garcia highlighted the importance of team synergy to reach the pinnacle of the country’s premier men’s volleyball league, organized by Sports Vision and supported by ArenaPlus, Mikasa, and Alpha Insurance & Surety Company.
“Kumbaga hindi lang naman iisa ‘yung naglalaro. So kailangan talaga as a team kami, magcontribute kami lahat,” said Garcia, who transitioned from beach volleyball to join Criss Cross.
Despite the setback, Garcia credited his teammates for his MVP recognition, underscoring their role in his success.
“Para sa akin ‘yung MVP bonus na lang ‘yon, kasi hindi ko talaga makukuha ‘yung MVP ‘pag wala ‘yung mga teammates ko. So, kine-credit ko talaga sa mga ka-teammates ko ‘yung MVP award na yon,” he expressed.
“Kasi sila ‘yung nagiging strength ko every game kasi pinagkakatiwalaan nila ako. Tapos, ‘yung tiwala na binibigay nila sa akin talagang susuklian ko rin 100 percent.”
