As Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraw alum Jude Garcia continues to etch his name on Philippine volleyball history after clinching his third consecutive Most Valuable Player award in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference, the now-Criss Cross King Cruncher highlighted the extended excellence of the green-and-gold program beyond the collegiate level. 

“Sobrang saya, kasi nakikita mo ‘yung improvement ng men’s volleyball hindi lang sa FEU. Kung ano ‘yung binaon namin nung college sa FEU, talagang pinagtrabahuhan ng bawat isa kaya nakakuha ng ganoong award ‘yung mga teammates ko dati (It feels really great because you can see the improvement of men’s volleyball not just in FEU. Every one of us worked hard to carry on what we learned during college in FEU, which is why my former teammates were able to earn those awards),” he expressed in an interview with FEU Advocate.

The outside hitter delivered a dominant performance throughout the conference, amassing a total of 200 points, comprising 161 attacks, 32 blocks, and seven service aces.

The former Tamaraw also led the league’s blocking with an average of 0.70 per set, while ranking second in spiking with a success rate of 46.40 percent and placing fourth in receiving at 48.91 percent efficiency.

Alongside him, other former Morayta-based athletes also won individual awards as they stood out during the conference, namely Cignal HD Spikers JP Bugaoan and Vince Lorenzo as Best Middle Blocker and Best Libero, respectively, and Savouge Spin Doctor Mark Calado as Best Outside Hitter.

Despite his additional accolade, Garcia expressed his disappointment over his team’s runner-up finish after falling short against the Cignal HD Spikers in the finals last April 6 at the Philsports Arena. 

“‘Di ko alam eh, hindi masaya kasi ang goal talaga namin is makuha ‘yung championship. Pero ‘di talaga binibigay nang madali so kailangan namin mag-work hard pa (I don’t know, I’m not happy because our main goal was to win the championship. But it’s really not given easily so we have to work hard for it),” he stated.

As an assistant coach for the FEU men’s volleyball team, Garcia aims to inspire the emerging players who are currently leading in the rankings of the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 by emphasizing the importance of team effort and trust.

“Lagi ko sinasabi na maglaro lang sila nang sarili nila kasi wala namang makakatalo sa kanila kapag walang pressure ‘tsaka nag-e-enjoy lang sila. Siyempre, trust sa teammates pa rin. Kailangan talaga ‘yung trust sa teammates kasi doon nila makukuha ‘yung goal ngayong season (I always tell them to just play their game—no one can beat them when there’s no pressure and they’re having fun. They need to trust each other. That trust is key to reaching our goal this season),” he stated.

Despite suffering their third consecutive loss to the Cignal HD Spikers, Jude Garcia and the Criss Cross King Crunchers remain determined to dethrone the reigning champions in the upcoming conference.

- Krizza Gabrielle Tabora

(Photo courtesy of Spikers’ Turf)