Although being replaced by a libero makes it look less tasking, playing middle blocker requires a lot of movement and focus. The momentary reprieve from all the lateral and vertical movements is often key to a middle’s success on the court.
For Jaja Santiago, playing without a libero taking over in the back row might become permanent. With neither of National University’s liberos stepping up, Lady Bulldogs head coach Roger Gorayeb was left with no choice but to use his middles in the backrow.
The six-foot-five Cavite native already has experience playing in the backline, as she was used as an opposite hitter in the PSL, where she led the Foton Tornadoes to a Grand Prix title last year.
Even if digging and receiving do not come naturally to her, Santiago is ready to do what it takes to help her Lady Bulldogs reach the UAAP Final Four.
“Up naman ako sa challenge kasi, katulad doon sa Foton, hindi rin ako nilalabas so kailangan in-accept ko na sa sarili ko na kailangan kong dumepensa, kailangan kong maging all-around [player] and kailangan kong matutong dumepensa at rumeceive.
“Hindi ko kailangan i-pressure ang mga teammates ko na, ‘Sige kayo lang mag-receive.’ Kailangan ko din siyempre na tulungan sila,” Santiago told Tiebreaker Times after her Lady Bulldogs completed a season sweep over the league-leading Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles.
“Mahirap kasi hindi naman talaga ako rumereceive at saka dumepedepensa ‘di ba? At saka matangkad pa ako, mahirap bumaba para sa akin pero ‘yun nga, kailangan mo lang kasi mahalin ang ginagawa mo para makuha ang gusto mo so ganun ang ginawa ko,” the 21-year-old cited.
At 7-4, NU still have to thread the needle to the Final Four with matches against the University of the Philippines, University of Santo Tomas, and Far Eastern University up next.
As a program thirsty for a breakthrough, NU will rally behind their gangly tower to get to the post-season.
“Kailangan lang namin talaga magwork hard tapos kailangan maging consistent kami bawat laro para makuha namin ang susunod, kailangan mag-work lagi ang teamwork namin sa loob ng court.
“Wala naman special pero kasi ‘yung bawat panalo namin sa kanila nagiging inspiration namin. Nagiging motivation namin na natalo na namin sila; hindi pwedeng hindi namin sila matalo ulit every game — ganon ang iniisip namin,” Santiago declared.
