FOR leading the National University Lady Bulldogs to a thrilling victory over defending champion De La Salle University, Jaja Santiago was again named the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Press Corps Player of the Week.
The 6-foot-5 Santiago was sensational in NU’s five-set triumph over De La Salle on Sunday, scoring 27 points on 20 kills, four blocks and three service aces.
She was unstoppable down the stretch of that contest, making the kills that brought the Lady Bulldogs to match point before Aiko Urdas’s ace completed NU’s 26-24, 19-25, 22-25, 25-17, 16-14 triumph.
Thanks in large to Santiago’s dominance, NU remains unbeaten in Season 80 women’s volleyball tournament with a 4-0 win-loss record.
Santiago edged Sisi Rondina of University of Santo Tomas, Bernadeth Pons of Far Eastern University, Dawn Macandili of De La Salle and Maddie Madayag of Ateneo de Manila for the weekly honor given by sportswriters from broadsheets, tabloids and online portals covering the league.
This is the second week in a row that Santiago earned the citation.
For Santiago, it’s all about making the most of her final season with the Lady Bulldogs.
“For me, once I get the ball, I’ll go for the kill,” Santiago said. “No hesitation. I’ll give my all each time.”
Santiago, together with NU setter Jasmin Nabor, earned high praise from coach Babes Castillo, who lauded the pair’s leadership in the come-from-behind win.
“They won the game for us,” Castillo said.
Santiago and the Lady Bulldogs go on a one-week break before returning to action against UST on February 25 at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
Image credits: Nonoy Lacza