Criss Cross open spiker Jude Garcia in the 2024 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference. PVL MediaMANILA -- Jude Garcia continues to play a pivotal role in Criss Cross' push for a semifinals spot in the 2024 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference.
The Far Eastern University alumnus opened the week with a 10-point, 8-reception showing in the King Crunchers' sweep of Martelli Meats, 25-9, 25-19, 25-16, on Wednesday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
He followed it up by taking down his alma mater on Sunday, scoring 19 points on top of 16 excellent receptions as Criss Cross handed DN Steel-FEU its first loss, 22-25, 25-20, 25-20, 25-21.
The Open Conference Most Valuable Player is also a member of Eddieson Orcullo's coaching staff in FEU, and he used his familiarity with the collegiate players to help the King Crunchers bounce back after losing the first set.
READ: Jude Garcia stars as Criss Cross ends FEU's winning run
"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," said Garcia.
"Siyempre sinasabi ko nga sa kanila hindi porke't 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," he added.
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.
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," said Garcia.