Philippines' volleyball superstar Jaja Santiago caps 4th season in Japan as “Best Blocker”
Volleyball superstar Jaja Santiago ended her fourth campaign as an import in the Japan V.League as its Best Blocker afterSaitama Ageo Medics endedits season by beating Victorinas Himeji, 25-17, 25-20, 25-12, on Sunday at Wink Gymnasium
The 6-foot-5 middle blocker finished the season with 103 blocks, averaging 0.81 per set, beating other local and import blockers to the “Best Blocker” honors.
The Filipina middle blocker scored 12 points from 10 attacks, one block, and an ace, ending their season on a high note, finishing at fifth place on a 20-13 (win-loss) card.
Helping Santiago in this conference was Brazilian import Lorenne Teixeira who tallied17 points off 15 attacks and two blocks to lead Saitama in their penultimate match.
Locals Yuka Sato added 13 markers while Mami Uchise also contributed 12 points in the match against Himeji.
Himeji placed 11th out of 12 teams with an 8-25 record with Celeste Plak leading the team with 13 points, while Chihiro Sasaki delivered 10 markers.
The younger Santiago sister will come home to the Philippines after capping her season in the V.League as she is set to banner the national team with her inclusion in the roster for the upcoming Hanoi Southeast Asian Games scheduled in May.
For the NT’s preparation, they are set to fly to Brazil under the helm of coach Jorge Souza de Brito after concluding the 2022 Premier Volleyball League this April.
Joining Jaja in the national team training pool are Alyssa Valdez, Jaja Santiago, Jema Galanza, Aby Marano, Kat Tolentino, Mylene Paat, Deanna Wong, Kat Arado, Dawn Macandili, Ria Meneses, Ces Molina, Iris Tolenada, Dell Palomata, and youngsters Casiey Dongallo and Jelai Gajero.
PNVF president Tats Suzara said Filipino-American spiker Kalei Mau, star playmaker Jia Morado, Nakhon Ratchasima import Dindin Santiago-Manabat, Champions League MVP Kianna Dy and Jasmine Nabor declined to join the national team.
Tags: #Japan's4thseason, #volleyball, 'bestblocker,' V.League, #sports