After Dimdim Pacres scored a Final Four-clinching kill Saturday afternoon, the National University Lady Bulldogs crumpled to the floor. Another season full of hope had ended with another elimination — they miss the boat ride to the next stage for the second straight year.
As the Lady Bulldogs huddled for the last time this season, a dark cloud loomed over them, as many questions were raised after another disappointing season.
Will the team’s management, including coach Roger Gorayeb, make a return to Sampaloc? Will there be a drastic revamp of the program?
More importantly, will 21-year-old Jaja Santiago return for her fifth year?
During their do-or-die encounter, the 6-foot-5 spiker towed the Lady Bulldogs with 30 markers. However, her efforts turned futile, as her team surrendered a two set-lead that turned into a five-set loss, leading to their elimination.
And the sight of Jaja Santiago singing NU’s hymn with her fist in the air, tears running down her face after the game, might be the last image of her wearing NU’s blue and gold.
“Hindi pa po ako nakaka-decide if mag-fifth year ako,” Santiago, who was still overcome with emotion a few hours after their game, shared via SMS.
In her first four years with NU, the native of Cavite City has only made the Final Four twice. She won the Rookie of the Year plum back in Season 75, and has bagged the Best Attacker honor the last two years.
But at the end of the day, the only question that matters for Santiago is whether this battle is still worth fighting for.
