National University volleyball team captain Jaja Santiago hopes they could carry the same attitude showcased in the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Collegiate Conference title over to their next goal when they aim for the UAAP crown in the coming season.
The 6-foot-4 Santiago, who also snared the Conference MVP plum, said their renewed confidence was the key factor in clinching their second straight V-League Collegiate title.
“Tumaas ’yung morale namin ngayong nakuha na namin ’yung championship ulit sa V-League. Malaking tulong ito para sa UAAP,” said Santiago.
The Lady Bulldogs swept the Ateneo Lady Eagles in their best-of-three title series via a 19-25, 25-18, 25-22, 21-25, 15-4 Game 2 win Wednesday night.
“‘Yung confidence naming lahat, lalong tumaas. Nawala na ’yung takot kasi siyempre ’yung Ateneo, UAAP team din yan.
Inisip namin na kung nakaya namin dito sa V-League, makakaya din namin sa UAAP,” Santiago added.
Last UAAP season, the Lady Bulldogs failed to make a Final Four appearance for the first time in four years after finishing fifth overall. They lost both elims matches to eventual runnerup Ateneo.
Aside from the players, the title win also boosted the morale of assistant coach Edjet Mabbayad after filling in the temporary shoes of head coach Roger Gorayeb in the conference.
