Criss Cross’ Jude Garcia in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational.–Photo from Spikers’ Turf

MANILA, Philippines — 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.

Garcia has Criss Cross a consistent provider on both ends of the court.

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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.

Spikers’ Turf: Cignal overcomes Jude Garcia, Criss Cross

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 rebound from an opening set loss.

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“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 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.”

READ: Spikers’ Turf: Criss Cross cruises, FEU soars to 3-0

Garcia edged 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.

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 in their schedule, the former beach volleyball athlete emphasized the importance of consistency and maintaining their 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.