FOTON-PILIPINAS is almost in full harness for its campaign in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Asian Women’s Club Championship set from September 3 to 11 at the Alonte Sports Center in Biñan, Laguna.
And during the team’s official launch on Friday in a hotel in Alabang, Jaja Santiago was named as the fifth local member of the team that will plunge to a more onerous tournament, the International Volleyvall Federation Women’s Club World Championship, from October 18 to 23 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Philippine Superliga (PSL) President Ramon Suzara described the 6-foot-5 middle blocker out of National University as “young, athletic and talented.” She played a key role when the Tornadoes won this year’s PSL Grand Prix.
“We’re glad to have Jaja onboard. We expect her to gain massive experience playing against the best players in the world and serving as our country’s cornerstone in future major international tournaments.”
Santiago joined Rachel Anne Daquis and Jovelyn Gonzaga of Petron, Kim Fajardo of F2 Logistics, Jen Reyes of Petron and seven foreign reinforcements to represent the Philippines in the World Club Championship.
“This is a big boost to my volleyball career,” Santiago said. “I’m so thankful and blessed that the PSL trusted me to be part of the team. I will do my best to come up with a good performance and make our country proud.”
Santiago received her golden ticket from Suzara and PSL Chairman Philip Ella Juico during the team’s launch, also graced by Foton Head Tom Harrison; Team Manager Alvin Lu; the coaching staff, led by Villet Ponce-de Leon, and players; and Larong Volleyball ng Pilipinas Inc. Vice President Peter Cayco.
“Foton believes that this prestigious tournament is a great opportunity not just to showcase the talent of our athletes but also the Philippines,” Harrison said. “On behalf of Foton management and Foton Pilipinas team, we express our full commitment to AVC, PSL and Blue Army that we will do our absolute best to raise the ranking of the Philippines.”
Santiago will also lead the Foton core of Angeli Araneta, Patty Orendain, Ivy Perez, Bia General, Rhea Dimaculangan, Maika Ortiz, Cara Acevedo, Carol Cervaza, EJ Laure and Sisi Rondina in the Asian Championship.
They will be supported by Army’s veteran setter Tina Salak, Petron libero Reyes, F2 Logistics middle blocker Aby Maraño and Lady Troopers outside hitters Gonzaga and Daquis.
American imports Lindsay Stalzer, who was part of the Foton team that won the PSL Grand Prix last year, and former Cignal reinforcement Ariel Usher will reinforce Foton Pilipinas. Two players will be cut from this pool for the team to the worlds but they will be on reserve in case of injuries.
Image credits: Nonoy Lacza