PLAYER OF THE WEEK. Jude Garcia of Criss Cross (No. 5) tries to score against Glenn Ventura (No. 20) and Nathaniel Del Pilar (No. 13) of La Salle-EcoOil in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City on Sunday (Nov. 24, 2024). He scored 20 points in leading the King Crunchers to a 25-21, 25-12, 25-23 win over the Green Oilers. (PVL photo)
Jude Garcia has once again demonstrated his prowess on the court, earning the Spikers’ Turf Press Corps Player of the Week award for guiding Criss Cross to the semifinals of the Invitational Conference.
The Far Eastern University standout delivered a stellar performance last Sunday, amassing 20 points through 18 attacks, a block, and an ace to propel the King Crunchers to a decisive 25-21, 25-12, 25-23 victory over the La Salle-EcoOil Green Oilers at the Ynares Sports Arena. The win marked their fourth consecutive triumph.
“It’s always thrilling to face younger players with fresh, dynamic play styles,” said Garcia, who was also Player of the Week for November 13-17. His back-to-back honors highlight his consistent excellence throughout the conference.
Leadership and maturity
With the King Crunchers improving their record to 6-1 and securing the third semifinal slot, Garcia emphasized the importance of experience and respect in their approach.
“As seasoned players, we focus on showing maturity in our game. It’s not just about competing against younger collegiate players but also about maintaining respect for every opponent, regardless of age or skill level,” said Garcia, who previously earned MVP honors in the Open Conference.
Consistency as key
Garcia’s consistency has been a cornerstone of his success, a trait he aims to carry forward with two matches left in the preliminary round.
“My focus this conference is consistency, especially after falling short in the finals last time. My mindset is set on giving my best in every game,” Garcia shared. “It all starts with training—I put 100% effort into it to deliver in the actual games.”
Unanimous selection
Garcia’s remarkable contributions made him the unanimous choice for the Player of the Week title over other notable players, including FEU-DN Steel’s Jelord Talisayan, Cignal’s Jau Umandal and Mark Calado, and Savouge Aesthetics’ Norwel Sanama.
With his unwavering commitment and leadership, Garcia is positioning Criss Cross as a formidable contender in the tournament, all while solidifying his place as one of the league’s top players.
