Although the expectations are low for PSL-F2 Logistics Manila in terms of wins in the 2016 FIVB Women’s Club World Championships, Jaja Santiago has always held herself up to a high standard regardless of who stands across the net.
When she scored just three points against Rexona-Sesc in their opening day match, Santiago vowed that she would put on a better show in their next match.
And she did.
The 6’5″ middle blocker tallied 11 points against Pomi Casalmaggiore.
“‘Yun talaga ang goal namin as a team. ‘Di lang naman ako ‘yung mas maganda ‘yung nilaro – lahat naman kami. Kinulang lang talaga noong dulo pero magagawan naman ng paraan ‘yun the more na makapaglaro kami,” Santiago said.
Her increased crossing, she claims, was the fruit of two days of hard training with setter Kim Fajardo.
“Talagang pinaraktis namin ‘yung pag-transition sa middle tuwing bad receive o dig. Na-execute naman namin. Pero tingin ko may mailalabas pa kaming lahat,” she added.
Santiago even got her viral moment, smashing a hit right into Pomi’s libero Immacolata Sirressi midway through the second set.
“Nag-sorry ako kasi masakit ‘yun,” she shared.
Wala namang gustong maka-sakit sa volleyball.”