Jude Garcia continues to play a pivotal role in the Criss Cross King Crunchers’ push for a semifinal slot in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference.
Showing consistency with stellar performances on both offensive and defensive ends, Criss Cross is in good hands with Garcia around.
The Far Eastern University product started the week with a solid showing of 10 points and eight excellent receptions 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 on top of 16 excellent receptions as Criss Cross nicked erstwhile-unbeaten DN Steel–FEU 22-25, 25-20, 25-20, 25-21.
The Open Conference MVP, who is also an assistant coach of FEU tactician Eddieson Orcullo, used his familiarity to outplay his players to help the King Crunchers’ bounce back from an opening set loss.
“Siguro nakatulong din kasi players ko sila lahat ng ginagawa nila alam ko e. 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.”
The 26-year-old outside hitter’s heroics earned him the nod as the Spikers’ Turf Press Corps Player of the Week presented by Pilipinas Live from November 13 to 17.
“Kudos din sa FEU kasi magandang laban pinakita nila samin so kumbaga ang intense ng match so kailangan talaga ibigay namin ‘yung 100% din namin sa game,” Garcia said.
“Kailangan talagang panindigan namin na kami ‘yung mas matanda eh so kailangan namin pakita 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 bag the weekly honor given by print and online media covering the league, which is streamed live and on-demand via Pilipinas Live app and on www.spikersturf.ph.
