Criss Cross King Crunchers Jude Garcia was named the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference MVP. –PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The Criss Cross King Crunchers may have settled for silver in their first Spikers’ Turf stint but their star Jude Garcia was crowned the 2024 Open Conference Most Valuable Player.
Garcia’s consistent showing after emerging as Criss Cross’ main man was rewarded with his first-ever MVP plum on Friday evening at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Cignal completed a series sweep of Criss Cross, 25-23, 27-25, 25-21, in Game 2 to complete a golden repeat in the Open Conference.
“Sobrang proud ako sa team namin kahit bago pa lang kami and sobrang thankful ako sa kanilang lahat kasi lahat kami nag-cocontribute, lahat kami naghirap dito at hindi lang naman ako,” said Garcia after scoring 13 points in Game 2.
“Hindi pa kasi nagtatapos ‘yung laban namin. Bawi kami next season. Pag-iigihan pa namin yung mga ginawa namin this season at pagbubutihan pa namin,” he added.
READ: New-look Cignal HD Spikers still kings of Spikers’ Turf with Open title
Cignal star Jau Umandal claimed one of the two Best Outside Spikers with PGJC-Navy’s Greg Dolor. Cignal playmaker Kris Cian Silang captured the Best Setter award.
Criss Cross star Jude Garcia wins the Open Conference MVP. #SpikersTurf @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/CNs3N201Qn
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 10, 2024
Francis Saura of D’Navigators brought home the Best Opposite Spiker. The Best Middle Blockers were Peter Quiel of PGJC-Navy and Rash Nursiddik of D’Navigators
Navy’s Jack Kalingking was the Best Libero.
Garcia credited his MVP run to coach Tai Bundit, who honed his skills in his return to indoor after years of playing beach volleyball.
“Sobrang laking bagay ng impact niya sa akin kasi siyempre, galing ako sa beach. Natutukan niya kami, na-instill niya ‘yung gusto niyang ipakita sa amin,” he said. “Marami pa, marami pa kaming dapat gawin at trabahuin sa kanya. Marami pang adjustments na gagawin for this coming conference.”