File-Jaza Santiago and Saitama Agio Medics in Japan V League. Saitam picture
MANILA, Philippines – Jaza Santiago has awarded his family and his club Saitama AGEO Medics his first Japan V-League Best Blocker award.
Santiago became the first Filipino player to receive a personal award at V.League after the 2021-22 season, with Saitama finishing fifth in the 20-13 finish with an average of 0.81 per set, and 0.81 per set.
Akinradeu and Toyota’s Hataya Bamrungsuk, who finished second with a total of 81 blocks, finished joint second in the 6-foot-5 import.
He also won the Fair Play Award.
“I would like to dedicate this award to my family, coaches and teammates. This award is possible only with the cooperation of everyone. Especially for my teammates, they have always helped me in this process. Everyone has done a great job as a member of the team and has always inspired me, “Santiago said in a statement.
“I’m sure there are a lot of great middle blockers besides me, but I’m glad I got the best results from this block. I think this is the result of my daily hard work and determination to improve, ”he added.
Santiago posted the third highest number of blocks after Sacico Sugiyama of the NEC, who held the record of 106 blocks in 2007-08, and 104 blocks by Torre Erica Archie in 2012-13.
“It may be a personal award, but for me it is a team award. I didn’t expect anything but the best for the team. This award will be a valuable step towards many successes in my future career, ”he said.
Santiago has added two separate awards to his overseas success after finishing bronze in the V League last year at the Japan V Cup Championship and in the 2019-20 season.
More than his achievements, the 26-year-old blocker has pledged to continue improving his craft.
“I am fully aware that improvements are still needed. I want to work harder, continue to learn and always do my best, ”he said.
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