Jude Garcia has once again proven his exceptional prowess on the court, clinching his second consecutive MVP of the Conference award in the Spikers’ Turf. But as the accolades poured in, there was one glaring absence—the championship trophy, which remained firmly in the grasp of the defending champions, Cignal HD Spikers.
It was a bittersweet moment for the 2024 Open and Invitational Conferences’ MVP. The honor of being recognized as the league's top individual player stood in stark contrast to the frustration of his Criss Cross squad falling short of dethroning the HD Spikers. For the second straight season, Garcia and his teammates faced the agony of coming close but not close enough.
The gold medal match on Sunday at the Philsports Arena showcased Cignal’s dominance in full force, as they delivered a statement performance. With precise execution and unwavering focus, the HD Spikers swept the King Crunchers in straight sets, 25-19, 25-19, 26-24, in front of a roaring crowd.
Despite the loss, Garcia, who has been a three-time Spikers’ Turf Press Corps Player of the Week, reflected on the experience with resilience. “So, parang kumbaga, kinapos kami ngayong season, ngayong patapos ng taon, pero may time pa kami makabawi next year so talagang kailangan namin magprepare for next conference ulit,” he said, acknowledging the challenge ahead but with a firm resolve to come back stronger.
As the lone double-digit scorer for Criss Cross in the one-game finale, Garcia tallied 18 points, proving his leadership on the court. He was supported by Ysay Marasigan, who contributed nine points, while Best Middle Blocker Gian Glorioso and Best Outside Spiker Nico Almendras each added seven points to the effort. But despite their combined contributions, the team fell short against a Cignal squad that seemed to have every answer.
Garcia emphasized the importance of teamwork in achieving greatness. “Kumbaga hindi lang naman iisa ‘yung naglalaro. So kailangan talaga as a team kami, magcontribute kami lahat,” said Garcia, who made the transition from beach volleyball to play for Criss Cross, where he has become a key player in their quest for the championship.
While the individual recognition was a personal triumph for the 5-foot-11 outside spiker from Far Eastern University, Garcia remained humble, crediting his teammates for his success. “Para sa akin ‘yung MVP bonus na lang ‘yon, kasi hindi ko talaga makukuha ‘yung MVP ‘pag wala ‘yung mga teammates ko. So, kine-credit ko talaga sa mga ka-teammates ko ‘yung MVP award na yon,” Garcia shared.
His gratitude for his team was evident in his words. “Kasi sila ‘yung nagiging strength ko every game kasi pinagkakatiwalaan nila ako. Tapos, ‘yung tiwala na binibigay nila sa akin talagang susuklian ko rin 100 percent,” he added, emphasizing the trust and camaraderie that form the foundation of Criss Cross’ ambitions.
As Garcia reflects on the season, there’s a sense of unwavering determination to continue improving. For him, the MVP award isn’t just a testament to his individual effort but a reminder of the collective strength that drives his team forward. Despite the sting of coming so close to the championship, Garcia’s resolve is clear: the future holds promise, and the journey is far from over.
