Jaja Santiago and the Osaka Marvelous celebrate after winning the Japan SV.League title.–SV.LEAGUE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Jaja Santiago, now known by her Japanese name Sachi Minowa, honored her Filipino roots after winning her first-ever Japan SV.League title.
Santiago dedicated her first Division 1 title to the Philippines after Osaka Marvelous completed a series sweep and a successful redemption tour by dethroning the NEC Red Rockets, 25-22, 25-21, 25-16, on Saturday.
READ: Jaja Santiago set to leave Japan club after playoffs
“I cannot explain my feeling right now. I’m really overwhelmed about us getting the championship today. I’m so happy. I’m really proud that I have been able to represent my country, which is the Philippines. And I’m happy also that a lot of Filipino fans are also watching here. And also I’m grateful to the Japanese fans, you know, without all of them, I think I can’t make it here,” said Santiago in a statement.
Santiago’s family including Japanese husband Taka Minowa and sister Dindin Santiago-Manabat flew to Japan to watch the championship series.
The 6-foot-5 middle blocker scored 10 points off seven kills and three blocks.
READ: Jaja Santiago not eligible to play for Japan under new FIVB rules
The former UAAP MVP out of National University delivered 12 points in their 25-14, 25-10, 25-21 sweep of the Red Rockets in the series opener on Friday.
Belgian spiker Lise Van Hecke led Osaka in Game 2 with 13 points, while Mizuki Tanaka was crowned Finals MVP after dropping 12 points.
“Everyone really did a great job today and I think how we prepared to come here, I think my team really deserves it. There’s always a lot of ups and downs but I can see with the eyes of my teammates and how we work hard on the practice, I don’t see any doubt for my team. I think serve was the key to break the attack of NEC,” said Santiago, who obtained her Japanese citizenship last year.
“They really have a lot of good attackers and by serving and giving pressure, I think we can control everything. He (coach Sakai) is really important on our team. He did a lot. He did a great job of building this team and making strong skills for everyone here.”
READ: Jaja Santiago now a Japanese citizen
Last year, Santiago and the Marvelous lost the championship game to the Red Rockets despite the 23-game winning streak en route to the final.
This year, Osaka ruled the regular season with a 37-7 record. Santiago and Co. took down Saga Hisamitsu Springs in the quarterfinals before outlasting Jia De Guzman and the Denso Airybees in the semifinals.
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Santiago had said this will be her final season with Osaka.
