Criss Cross's Garcia named Spikers Turf Player of the Week

MANILA – Jude Garcia's consistent performance is a big factor in Criss Cross's semifinal campaign in the 2024 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference.

He scored 10 points and eight excellent receptions when King Crunchers beat Martelli Meats, 25-9, 25-19, 25-16, last Sunday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Garcia delivered 19 points on top of 16 excellent receptions as Criss Cross stunned DN Steel – FEU, 22-25, 25-20, 25-20, 25-21.

"Maybe, it helped because they are my players so I know what they're doing. I know their moves, that's a big factor," said the 26-year-old Garcia, who serves as assistant coach to FEU mentor Eddieson Orcullo.

"Of course, I tell them that just because I am their coach, I already know what they will do. They are players, they have their own minds. They still hold the ball," added the Open Conference MVP.

For his brilliant showing, Garcia was named Spikers' Turf Press Corps Player of the Week presented by Pilipinas Live from Nov. 13 to 17.

"Kudos to FEU because they fought well, it was an intense match so we have to give our 100 percent in the game," he said. "We really need to stand up because we are the older ones, we need to show how the older ones play."

Garcia beat the other top performers, including VNS' Kenneth Daynata, Cignal's Louie Ramirez, and PGJC Navy's Joeven Dela Vega, to secure 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.

Cris Cross is tied with Cignal in second place with a 5-1 win-loss record.

Garcia said the King Crunchers must keep their level of play to get a shot for the title.

"This is a very big factor for us. [We] are recovering coming to the semifinals because they are a top team then they are undefeated, we have to play better in our remaining games, we really need to train well so that we can apply it to the games," he said. (PNA)