Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Make no mistake, Jaja Santiago was proud with the victory National University pulled off in the opening match of the UAAP Season 80 women’s volleyball tournament.
Santiago, however, knows the Lady Bulldogs can do better after they grounded Adamson University in four sets, 25-15, 25-23, 16-25, 25-13, Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.
“Our team performed well, but for me I know that this isn’t still the best that we can play,” said Santiago in Filipino. “We still need to work out so many things with coach Babes [Castillo] especially on our conditioning.”
The Lady Bulldogs were visibly gasping for air in the third set and the Lady Falcons took advantage of the situation to score a set win.
Santiago said their reception suffered with their lack of conditioning as they recorded just 19 successful receives.
“We lacked the energy in the third set because our conditioning was really low,” said Santiago who finished with 16 points. “We slowed down, and I think we also relaxed a bit.”
“Coach just told us to just increase our intensity and work harder on the court.”