In her first match of her playing year, Jaja Santiago was as imposing as ever
The 6-foot-5 National Team stalwart powered 16 points over the Adamson University Lady Falcons and powered the National University Lady Bulldogs to an opening day win.
Despite the positive debut, Santiago was alarmed with the her and her teammates’ effort. The versatile middle blocker noted the Lady Bulldogs’ sudden drop in energy in their loss during the third set.
In order for the Lady Bulldogs to succeed, they need to be prepared to go the distance
“Maganda ‘yung pinakita ng team namin, pero sa akin, alam kong kulang pa at marami pa kaming kailangan trabahuhin ni Coach Babes, lalo na sa kundisyon ng katawan,” the towering 22-year-old emphasized.
“Pa-last set na namin, nakikita na bumabagal kami imbis na bumibilis, so ayun.”
NU’s new head coach Babes Castillo was all praises for Santiago. He does not expect perfection from Santiago — just for her to do her role.
“I thought Jaja played great today. She had errors in the third set, but she showed great leadership and effort. Everyone on the team has roles na crucial tomour success,” Castillo concluded.
“Jaja did great for us today.”
On Wednesday, the Lady Bulldogs take on the Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles. Even if NU took both of their regular season meetings last season, Santiago remains wary of one of the most experienced teams in the league.
“Siyempre, definitely, pag-aaralan namin maigi ‘yung Ateneo kasi, though marami sa kanilang nawala, hindi kami puwedeng magpa-kampante kasi maraming kaya at maraming kayang i-improve ang mga players every season,” shared Santiago, who won three individual awards a season ago.
“Hindi natin alam kung ano ang kaya nila, so kailangan namin paghandaan at i-push pa ang sarili namin sa training.”
