Jude Garcia and the Criss Cross King Crunchers are still undefeated in the ongoing Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference.
Operating in the same relentless gear that has defined his rise in the league, Jude Garcia once again served as the engine that powered Criss Cross to another perfect elimination round campaign.
Up against scrappy, determined young teams desperate for victories, Garcia stood tall and powered the resilient King Crunchers to three consecutive hard-fought wins that punctuated their sweep of the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference elimination round.
The three-time league Most Valuable Player’s impact was undeniable across Criss Cross’ three crucial matches this week, as he averaged 21.7 points and 7.0 digs while helping eliminate two squads from the semis race.
Garcia scored 24 points and added nine impressive digs in a thrilling five-setter, 22-25, 25-21, 25-16, 21-25, 17-15, that eliminated his alma mater, Far Eastern University-DN Steel, from semifinals contention last Wednesday.
The 27-year-old outside hitter then poured in 19 points and six digs as the King Crunchers rolled to a 25-22, 25-15, 25-21 victory, pushing University of Santo Tomas-Gameville into a precarious and dangerous position in the standings.
He capped a stellar week with 22 points and eight digs in a hard-fought 21-25, 25-23, 25-18, 25-20 triumph that firmly shut the door on Alpha Insurance’s semifinals hopes.
For his consistent performance throughout the week, Garcia was hailed as the first Spikers’ Turf Press Corps Player of the Week, presented by Pilipinas Live, for the period of November 12 to 16.
Riding the high of their second straight flawless elimination round, the 5-foot-11 heavy hitter said the team is determined to carry their momentum into the semifinals, with their sights firmly set on capturing the championship.
“Kung anong goal namin this season, talagang gusto naming makamit kung ano ‘yung ‘di namin nakamit last season. Ito ‘yung stepping stone para makamit ‘yung goal,” said Garcia.
“‘Di naman namin nakuha ’yung 7-0 nang madali lang—talagang pinaghirapan ng team, pinaghirapan ng bawat isa ’yung 7-0. Kaya dadalhin namin ’yung mataas na momentum, mataas na confidence sa sarili namin para sa semifinals—hanggang mapunta kami ng finals,” he added.
Garcia bested teammates Noel Kampton and Adrian Villados, as well as UST-Gameville’s Edriel Alabar and Cignal’s Louie Ramirez for the weekly honor, which is decided by print and online reporters covering the pioneering men’s volleyball league organized by Sports Vision.
The Garcia-led King Crunchers will look to carry their unbeaten streak into the round-robin semifinals, which will feature guest squads Kindai University of Japan and ProVolley Academy of Australia.
The tournament will be streamed live and on-demand via the Pilipinas Live app and at www.spikersturf.ph.
Even without their Alas Pilipinas stars — Marck Espejo, Kim Malabunga, and Eco Adajar — Garcia is confident Criss Cross can maintain their momentum and continue their strong run into the semifinals.
“Ano naman, sa ganyang sitwasyon ready kami. Kasi sa training pa lang, ine-ensayo na namin talaga na hindi kami magre-rely masyado talaga sa national team players namin,” he said.