It’s hard to miss the six-foot-five Jaja Santiago, but the National University’s middle blocker stuck out even more earlier today as she strutted around the SMART-Araneta Coliseum clutching three trophies.
Santiago was officially named the UAAP Season 79 Best Attacker, Best Scorer, and Best Blocker in a ceremony prior to Game Two of the UAAP Season 79 Women’s Volleyball Finals. She is the only player in recorded UAAP history to win all three awards in the same year.
Still, the Caviteña feels unfulfilled, as her Lady Bulldogs had failed to make the Final Four for the second straight season. As much as Santiago has improved, her teammates have so far failed to match her lofty level.
“Nakaka-overwhelm kasi di ko naman sya inexpect na makuha. Marami pa kasing ibang players nakikita yung skills nila, magagaling na players na alam kong mas deserve pa.
“Mas gusto ko pa rin kasi yung championship. Wala sa akin yung award. Ang akin lang yung championship,” she added, as a UAAP title is the only thing she has yet to achieve.
And this is why Santiago had no qualms about missing out on the MVP trophy. Although she has been the favorite all season, Santiago strongly believes that La Salle’s Majoy Baron deserves MVP more.
“For me, Majoy Baron deserved the MVP award.
“Sa akin parang alam naman natin paghihirap nung tao. Hindi naman natinkailangan ijudge yung tao kasi deserve niya yan, napakita niya yon. Proud ako sa kanya,” said Santiago about her fellow middle blocker.
Despite having a year of playing eligibility remaining, Santiago’s return to the UAAP is still up in the air.
She admits that this is mostly because of the potential of another coaching change. Tiebreaker Times broke last Thursday that Roger Gorayeb will not return from his post.
The prospect of adjusting to a fourth coach in her collegiate career frustrates Santiago.
“Nakaka-frustrate kasi every year new adjustment,” she admitted.
“Pero sabi nila nag-stay yung players, kailangan lang namin magtulong-tulong para maka-adjust kaagad. Respect lang namin decision ng management or kung sino yung coaches na ilalagay nila kasi alam naman nila kung anong best para sa isang team.”
