After losing several players in the off-season due to varying seasons, the new-look National University Lady Bulldogs made waves in the Shakey’s V-League Open Conference after qualifying for the semifinals.
Powered by guest players and their seniors, National University won the Collegiate Conference last season. Comprised mainly of young players, the Lady Bulldogs improved as the season went along and managed a 4-1 quarterfinals record.
NU’s prized middle blocker Jaja Santiago, however, is faced with a fork in the road with her team’s qualification. The 20-year old is also a part of Foton Pilipinas’ lineup for the upcoming AVC Women’s Club Championship to be hosted by the Philippines in the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna from September 3 to 11.
The Foton Toplander will represent the Philippines in the 2016 AVC Club Championships
Those playdates may coincide with one or more of NU’s matches in the SVL semifinals, a best-of-three series.
Santiago, for her part, immediately clarified that her first priority will always be playing for her school.
“Kung may conflict man, tignan kung ano ‘yung mangyayari. Pero kailangan ko muna i-prioritize ‘yung National University kasi nasa semis na.
“Kung magkaroon man ng conflict, doon namin gagawan ng paraan,” Santiago told reporters after NU’s four-set win over the UP Lady Maroons.
Foton had just gotten back from a tournament in Thailand in preparation for the AVC. Santiago admitted that she had not talked to Foton officials yet but Santiago reiterated her commitment to the Lady Bulldogs.
“Sobrang happy po namin as a team na nakaabot kami ng semis. Marami pa pong kailangan ma-improve and gusto ko po kasama po ako lagi sa kanila,” the 6’6″ middle blocker closed.
