Jaja Santiago is dedicating her recent individual feat to her Saitama Ageo Medics after nabbing the Best Blocker plum in the Japan V.League.
“This may be an individual award, but for me it’s a team award,” said Santiago in a statement.
“They always helped me in this process... This award is only possible with the support of everyone.”
The 6-foot-5 middle blocker clinched the award after topping the department with 103 blocks for an average of 0.81 per set.
She bested closest pursuers Foluke Akinradewo of Hisamitsu and Hattaya Bamrungsuk of Toyota, who posted 81 blocks apiece.
It was the third-most blocks recorded in a season after record holder’s NEC Sachiko Sugiyama (106 blocks in the 2007-07 season) and Toray’s Erika Araki (104 in 2012-13).
Despite the feat, Santiago said she would continue to pursue to master her craft.
“I am fully aware that improvements are still needed. I would like to work harder, continue to learn, and always do my vest without being satisfied,” she said.
Santiago is expected to see action with the national team in the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam next month where the Filipina spikers aim to improve their fourth-place finish in the previous edition.