Santiago stays focused despite playing double duty with NU, Foton

National University’s Jaja Santiago. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

This early, Jaja Santiago is bracing for a stressful Wednesday.

Pulling a double-duty with Foton Pilipinas in the Asian Club Championship and National University in the Shakey’s V-League, the middle blocker has already plotted a gameplan as she hopes to suit up for both squads.

“After ng game [with Foton], diretso ako dito. May naka-ready na akong service after ng game. Kung sa tingin namin na maaalanganin ako sa oras, mauuna na ako dito,” she said.

Santiago will first suit up for Foton as it plays Kazakh team Altay VC at 11:30 a.m. at Alonte Sports Arena in Binan, Laguna. After that, she will make a long trip to Philsports Arena in Pasig as the Lady Bulldogs eye a series sweep against UP at 4 p.m. in their semifinals tiff.

Though she’ll deal with the hectic schedule, the 6-foot-4 spiker believes that she can deliver for both teams despite her divided attention.

“Kung saan ako nakalagay, doon ako naka-focus. Naga-adjust ang utak ko pag nasa ibang team na ako. Mahalaga lang kung gaano ka kabilis mag-adjust sa lugar na pinupuntahan mo, kung paano ka maga-adopt. Sa akin naman, mabilis ako mag-adjust. Parehas lang naman na volleyball eh,” she said.

Santiago also allayed fears of fatigue on Wednesday, as she’ll draw inspiration from her Lady Bulldog teammates to still play at her best as NU seeks to book the first Finals spot.

“Siguro kung iisipin ko yung teammates ko na nangangailangan sa akin, mawawala rin yung pagod. Kailangan lang namin maging consistent sa communication, sa service at receive, yung enjoyment sa loob ng court. Madala lang namin yun next game, alam kong kaya namin makuha yung game patungo sa championship,” she said.

“Siguro nasanay na rin ako na as a player na maraming liga, yung utak ko, natutulungan na yung katawan ko para maka-recover. Mind over body lang talaga.”