The David-versus-Goliath narrative has become a cliche in sports. Everyone always roots for the underdog, aiming at the head of the much taller, much more powerful opponent.
When National University Lady Bulldogs faced off against the UST Golden Tigresses, Jaja Santiago was the proverbial Goliath taking on Cherry Rondina’s David, holding a slingshot filled with high-leaping attacks.
Santiago, however, refused to be a part of that narrative.
Goliath triumphed over the spunky David, as Santiago’s Lady Bulldogs raced to a school-best start in the UAAP and handed Rondina’s Tigresses their third loss of the UAAP Season 80 Women’s Volleyball Tournament.
The Cavite-native scored 19 points, none bigger than the attacks she rattled off down-the-stretch of a heated fourth set to fend off Rondina’s aerial display.
Santiago hears all the criticsims; at six-foot-five, how does someone a full foot shorter than her show her up? In a game with a net 2.43 meters from the ground impeding action, Santiago should have all the advantage.
The former PSL Most Valuable Player, herself, acknowledges these lapses and takes inspiration from Rondina, who tacked on 25 points against NU. The Lady Bulldogs gameplan was to slow her down, which worked to no avail.
“Hindi talaga siguro napapagod si Sisi. Laban lang talaga siya nang laban,” said Santiago.
“Hindi ako nai-insecure [kay Sisi]. Actually, nai-inspire ako kay Sisi kasi maliit siya, ang talino niya maglaro.
“Makikita mo talaga sa UST na siya ‘yung inaasahan sa mga laro. Doon pa lang, natutulak ako na mag-push pa. Siya nga, ganoon ang height pero ang dami niyang nagagawa. Why not ako na matangkad, na may potential din? Dapat abutin ko din siya,” the SMART Sports Player of the Day furthered.
All her life, Santiago has shouldered the immense pressure of being the tallest player on the volleyball court almost everytime she suits up. Players like Rondina keep her on her toes and always striving to improve.
“Siyempre, merong pressure kasi makikita ng tao ng ako six-five, bakit hindi ko ngagawa ‘yung mga ganyan? So may pressure. Pero ‘yung pressure na ‘yun more on motivation sa akin. Nagiging inspiration ko rin siya.”
