National University ace Jaja Santiago is making the most of her final collegiate season.
Her Lady Bulldogs are undefeated three matches into Season 80, mostly thanks to her splendid play.
After torching the Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles for 26 points last Wednesday, the 22-year-old poured in 23 markers in four sets against the University of the East Lady Warriors.
Santiago has been unstoppable, and the Lady Bulldogs need all of her dominance if they want to finally break their 63-year title drought.
“Where the leader goes, her teammates follow. Jaja has been setting a great example,” said NU head coach Babes Castillo of his team captain. “Jaja has been growing a lot this season and we’ve been asking a lot from her, too.
“She’s responding well, I couldn’t ask for anymore from her.”
For the six-foot-five spiker, a good start is not enough. She’s been through good starts before and seen how easily they can suddenly collapse.
“Kailangan pa namin ito ituloy. Marami pa kaming kailangang ayusin para makamit ‘yung goals namin. Maganda na nakakakuha kami ng panalo ngayon, pero iba ‘yung kailangan focus para matuloy namin ‘yung ganitong magandang galaw namin,” Santiago said.
“As individuals at as a team marami pa kaming maaayos. Maganda ngayon kasi parang sabay-sabay kaming tumataas. ‘Yung pagkukulang ng isa, pinupunan ng iba.”
