Santiago likely to miss Foton-Kazakhstan

BINAN CITY — Jaja Santiago is likely to miss Foton Pilipinas’ “game of a lifetime” against Kazakshtan Wednesday.

The 6-foot-5 team captain was given the go-signal to play for National University in the Shakey’s V League which coincides the match in the Asian Volleyball Confederation Women’s Club championships.

“No comment, I will decide later tonight,” said the 20-year-old Santiago after the Tornadoes lost to NEC Red Rockets of Japan Tuesday.

Foton Pilipinas coach Fabio Menta said they are prepared to play even without Santiago and the injured Lindsay Stalzer.

Opposite spiker Jovelyn Gonzaga said they will soldier on even without the two stars.

“We have yet to talk about the prospects of losing both of them. But we can’t back out. We have to face what’s in front of us and give it our best,” said Gonzaga who was even cited by Japanese coach Akinori Yamada for “moving well.”

Menta said playing against the Kazakhs would mean relying on team overall prowess and not on “individual super talents.”