Jude Garcia continues to play a pivotal role in the Criss Cross King Crunchers’ push for a semifinal spot in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference.
With his consistent performances on both offense and defense, Garcia has proven to be a key asset for Criss Cross.
The Far Eastern University product started the week with a solid 10-point, 8-excellent reception performance in the King Crunchers’ dominant straight-set victory over the Martelli Meats Master Butchers, 25-9, 25-19, 25-16, on Wednesday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
On Sunday, Garcia was a thorn in the side of his alma mater, pouring in 19 points alongside 16 excellent receptions as Criss Cross edged out the previously unbeaten DN Steel–FEU, 22-25, 25-20, 25-20, 25-21.
The Open Conference MVP, who also serves as an assistant coach under FEU tactician Eddieson Orcullo, used his insider knowledge to outplay his former players and help the King Crunchers bounce back after losing the opening set.
“Siguro nakatulong din kasi players ko sila, lahat ng ginagawa nila, alam ko eh. Yung tinuturo ko, alam ko na din yung galaw nila. So malaking factor din yun,” he said.
“Siyempre, sinasabi ko nga sa kanila, hindi porket coach nila ako, alam ko na yung gagalawin nila. Players naman sila, may sarili silang utak, so kailangan sila pa rin yung maglalaro. Hawak pa din nila yung bola.”
(C) Spikers Turf Images
The 26-year-old outside hitter’s heroics earned him the Spikers’ Turf Press Corps Player of the Week award, presented by Pilipinas Live, for the period of November 13 to 17.
“Kudos din sa FEU kasi magandang laban pinakita nila sa amin, so kumbaga intense yung match. Kailangan talaga ibigay namin yung 100% namin sa game,” Garcia said.
“Kailangan talagang panindigan namin na kami ‘yung mas matanda, eh. So kailangan namin ipakita kung paano maglaro yung mas matanda sa kanila.”
Garcia edged out other top performers, including VNS’ Kenneth Daynata, Cignal’s Louie Ramirez, and PGJC Navy’s Joeven Dela Vega, to claim the weekly honor, given by print and online media covering the league. The Spikers’ Turf is streamed live and on-demand via the Pilipinas Live app and on www.spikersturf.ph.
Tied with the Cignal HD Spikers in second place with a 5-1 win-loss record, Criss Cross is now in a strong position to secure a top-two finish heading into the semifinals.
With three more games remaining, the former beach volleyball athlete emphasized the importance of consistency and maintaining their high level of play as the King Crunchers aim for another shot at a championship.
“Sobrang malaking factor samin ito. Nagbabawi kami coming to semifinals kasi top team sila, then wala pa silang talo. Pag-iigihan pa namin coming sa mga remaining games, so kailangan talaga mag-training pa ng maganda para ma-apply namin sa games,” Garcia said.
