By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Filipina volleyball superstar Jaja Santiago had her best season as an Asian volleyball import after grabbing the 2022 Japan Volleyball League Division I Best Blocker and Fair Play awards.
After tallying 103 total blocks in 33 games played, the Cherry Tiggo superstar and former Premier Volleyball League (PVL) champion was hailed as the season’s best blocker.
This is the first time that Santiago received such international award since signing with the renowned volleyball club Aego Medics.
The six-foot-five middle-blocker bested one of Japan’s finest blockers in Erika Araki of the Toray squad who registered 104 blocks in 27 appearances.
“I’m sure there are many great middle blockers besides me, but I’m happy to be able to get this award. I think it is the result of my daily hard work and my strong determination to improve. This may be an individual award, but for me, it’s a team award. I didn’t expect anything other than the best for the team,” said Santiago.
This is the best defensive season Santiago had in her whole professional career and netted an impressive 0.81 blocking rate per set according to the Japan V. League.
Third placers in the race for the league’s best blocker are Foluke Akinradewo of Hisamitsu and Hattaya Bamrungsuk of Toyota who were tied with 81 apiece.
Santiago also went home with the league’s Fair Play award after tallying two green cards together with Denso’s Mami Yokota.
“I would like to dedicate this award to my family, coaches, and teammates. This award is only possible with the support of everyone. Especially for my teammates, they always helped me in this,” added Santiago.
