MANILA, Philippines — Former Philippine national women's volleyball team player Jaja Santiago raved about the potential of the current Alas Pilipinas lineup composed by a mixture of veterans and youthful players.
Short-term wise, Santiago said that Alas, led by veterans Jia De Guzman and Dawn Macandili-Catindig as well as youthful stars Eya Laure and Angel Canino, can rule the ongoing AVC Challenge Cup for Women.
Despite little preparation for the tournament, Alas swept Pool A, 4-0, and emerged as the top seed in the group after blanking Taiwan, 25-13, 25-21, 25-18, on Sunday, May 26 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum where Santiago was one of the thousands in attendance.
The Philippines faces Kazakhstan in the knockout semifinals on May 28 at the same venue.
"I think [Alas] will be stronger because of this strong start and the promising play they've shown. I think going to semifinals the connection [of the team] will be stronger and they will really deliver. I think they can be the champions really here in the AVC."
In the long run, Santiago, who's undergoing a naturalization process to join Japan's national team, said that this current Alas lineup has the potential to go as far as the level of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) and even the Olympics.
"My wish is for this team to continue -- we really have a big potential and eventually we'll be in the VNL or in the Olympics. With this kind of lineup, I think we can get that dream," said the 6-foot-5 Santiago.
Santiago, who played college volleyball for NU and local pro ball with the Chery Tiggo franchise before taking her talents to Japan with Ageo Medics and now JT Marvelous, said one of the desirable characteristics of Alas is that every player is a fighter.
On top of that, everyone is ready to deliver when their numbers are called by coach Jorge Souza de Brito.
"Everyone is a fighter, actually, and you can see they're really willing to give their best and play their hearts out to win every game," said Santiago, who plays the middle blocker position.
"What I notice is that each one of them carries that 'I will deliver' mindset when they get fielded in the game. That's one great characteristic of these players."
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