Jaja Santiago honors PH after profitable first Japan SV.League name

Jaja Santiago and the Osaka Marvelous rejoice after profitable the Japan SV.League name.–SV.LEAGUE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Jaja Santiago, referred to now by way of her Japanese title Sachi Minowa, commemorated her Filipino roots after profitable her first-ever Japan SV.League name.

Santiago devoted her first Division 1 name to the Philippines after Osaka Marvelous finished a chain sweep and a a success redemption excursion by way of dethroning the NEC Red Rockets, 25-22, 25-21, 25-16, on Saturday.

READ: Jaja Santiago set to go away Japan membership after playoffs

“I cannot explain my feeling right now. I’m really overwhelmed about us getting the championship today. I’m so happy. I’m really proud that I have been able to represent my country, which is the Philippines. And I’m happy also that a lot of Filipino fans are also watching here. And also I’m grateful to the Japanese fans, you know, without all of them, I think I can’t make it here,” stated Santiago in a remark.

Santiago’s circle of relatives together with Japanese husband Taka Minowa and sister Dindin Santiago-Manabat flew to Japan to look at the championship sequence.

The 6-foot-5 center blocker scored 10 issues off seven kills and 3 blocks. 

READ: Jaja Santiago now not eligible to play for Japan below new FIVB regulations

The former UAAP MVP out of National University delivered 12 issues of their 25-14, 25-10, 25-21 sweep of the Red Rockets within the sequence opener on Friday.

Belgian spiker Lise Van Hecke led Osaka in Game 2 with 13 issues, whilst Mizuki Tanaka was once topped Finals MVP after losing 12 issues.

“Everyone really did a great job today and I think how we prepared to come here, I think my team really deserves it. There’s always a lot of ups and downs but I can see with the eyes of my teammates and how we work hard on the practice, I don’t see any doubt for my team. I think serve was the key to break the attack of NEC,” stated Santiago, who received her Japanese citizenship closing 12 months.

“They really have a lot of good attackers and by serving and giving pressure, I think we can control everything. He (coach Sakai) is really important on our team. He did a lot. He did a great job of building this team and making strong skills for everyone here.”

READ: Jaja Santiago now a Japanese citizen

Last 12 months, Santiago and the Marvelous misplaced the championship sport to the Red Rockets in spite of the 23-game profitable streak en path to the general.

This 12 months, Osaka dominated the common season with a 37-7 file. Santiago and Co. took down Saga Hisamitsu Springs within the quarterfinals sooner than outlasting Jia De Guzman and the Denso Airybees within the semifinals.

Santiago had stated this will likely be her ultimate season with Osaka.