Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times
(C) Spikers Turf Images

News

ST POW Jude Garcia hopes La Salle grows from clash with Criss Cross


Maturity comes with experience – and Jude Garcia proved just that.

Facing a team of young and rising stars, the seasoned Criss Cross standout delivered a masterclass in composure and firepower, showcasing the grit and heart that define veteran players.

His brilliance carried the King Crunchers to a commanding 25-21, 25-12, 25-23 win over La Salle-EcoOil, securing their fourth straight victory in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference semifinals at the Ynares Sports Arena.

“Sobrang nakakagana kapag kalaban ‘yung mga bago, mga batang players ngayon kasi sobrang gaganda ng play style nila, sobrang bibilis ng mga plays,” said Garcia.

The Far Eastern University product was unstoppable, finishing with 20 points built on 18 attacks, one block, and an ace, while also contributing eight excellent receptions.

His stellar performance once again earned him the Spikers’ Turf Press Corps Player of the Week award presented by Pilipinas Live for the period of November 20 to 24, marking his second consecutive win.

Garcia’s ability to deliver in critical moments was on full display as he powered Criss Cross to stave off La Salle-EcoOil’s late surge in the third set.

His leadership and consistency have been crucial in the King Crunchers’ campaign, lifting them to a 6-1 record and securing the third semifinal seat.

“Kami naman talagang mas nag-prepare din, siyempre matatanda na kami so kailangan ipakita namin ‘yung maturity namin sa laro,” Garcia shared.

“Hindi lang sa collegiate players, kailangan sa lahat ipakita mo ‘yung maturity. Tapos siyempre ‘yung respect pa rin sa kalaban namin kahit sino pa man yan. Bata man yan o matanda man yan, kailangan ipakita mo ‘yung respect saka maturity sa paglalaro.”

The Open Conference Most Valuable Player edged out other strong contenders, including FEU-DN Steel’s Jelord Talisayan, Cignal’s Jau Umandal and Mark Calado, and Savouge Aesthetics’ Norwel Sanama, for the Player of the Week recognition.

#ReadMore  2021 in Review: Chery Tiggo makes history

The award is decided by print and online media covering the league, which is streamed live via the Pilipinas Live app and on spikersturf.ph.

With just two games left in the preliminary round, Garcia emphasized the importance of maintaining consistency in their pursuit of a breakthrough championship.

“Yung consistency naman talaga ‘yung winowork-out ko this conference kasi last conference kinulang kami (sa Finals),” Garcia admitted. “Kailangan talaga, mina-mindset ko talaga sa sarili ko na dapat every game consistent ako.”

Garcia credited his training regimen for his unwavering performance, explaining how hard work off the court translates into results during games.

“Nag-uumpisa talaga sa training din kung paano kami gumalaw, ako gumalaw,” he said. “Sa training pa lang ipinapakita ko na talaga ‘yung 100 percent effort ko kaya pagdating sa laro, nandoon na ‘yung talagang effort na talagang kaya kong pumukpok.”

As the King Crunchers inch closer to their ultimate goal, Garcia remains their steadying force – proof that in the fast-paced world of volleyball, experience and maturity still reign supreme.

Written By


You May Also Like

News

Determined to avenge their only elimination-round loss, Louie Ramirez led Cignal to a commanding straight-set victory over Savouge in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational...

News

Alas Pilipinas ace Bryan Bagunas remains patient as he deals with a left knee injury that will keep him off the volleyball court for...

News

Cignal avenged its lone elimination-round loss to Savouge with a commanding straight-set win, 25-21, 25-21, 25-20, to kick off the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational...

FEU

Criss Cross extended its dominant run, sweeping FEU-DN Steel in straight sets, 25-21, 25-21, 25-11, to open the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Semifinals round...

News

La Salle-EcoOil’s once-promising campaign quickly spiraled into disappointment. The Green Oilers seemed to have struck oil with a blazing start, winning their first four...

News

Nico Almendras delivered a stellar performance just in time for the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference semifinals, capping off the elimination round with his...

News

In the Spikers’ Turf, Savouge rewriting the rules – not just of the game, but of inclusivity and purpose. Competing in the country’s premier...

News

Gian Glorioso has proven he’s ready to step up whenever Criss Cross calls his number. With King Crunchers’ starting middle blocker Kim Malabunga sidelined...

Advertisement