Santiago turning out as ferocious defender

MANILA, Philippines - National U stalwart Jaja Santiago, UAAP Season 79’s leading scorer and blocker, is showing another facet of her game.

As coach Roger Gorayeb benched their libero for a good portion of their won match against Ateneo, he tasked Santiago to do some defensive work from the back row and the fourth-year middle player responded well.

Aside from punching in 25 points on 16 attacks, eight blocks and one ace in the Lady Bulldogs’ 17-25, 25-23, 22-25, 25-21, 15-13 disposal of the Lady Eagles, Santiago had seven successful digs out of 13 attempts in helping NU’s floor defense.

Santiago said Gorayeb issued a challenge for them to do their part on receiving and defending and not just depend on the libero.

“I’m up to the challenge,” Santiago said in Filipino. “I embrace the need to defend and be an all-around player. I don’t want to pressure my teammates to receive; I have to help them out, too.”

The towering Santiago said she’s determined to strive to be a “complete” player.

“It’s hard considering I’m not really receiving before and my height makes it all the more difficult for me to stoop. But then I have to do it and love doing it in order to achieve our goals,” said Santiago, whose team is still hunting for the elusive UAAP women’s volleyball tiara.