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.
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.
