PH volleyball has seen a huge growth over the years, much to the delight of Japan V.League star Jaja Santiago.
It’s no secret that Philippine volleyball has grown exponentially over the past few years.
Back then, it would have been a treat to see a jam-packed stadium during a UAAP women’s volleyball game. But now, it has somewhat become the standard, especially in Season 86.
The league has seen over 10,000 fans flock to the game venue on four separate occasions, proving how far volleyball has come.
This has become the reason as to why Japan V.League star Jaja Santiago still wants to play in the country, specifically for the Chery Tiggo Crossovers in the PVL.
Santiago was in the Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday as she showed her support for her alma mater National University during the Final Four match against Far Eastern University.
[ALSO READ: LOOK: UAAP Season 80 MVP Jaja Santiago shows love to NU Lady Bulldogs in Final Four]
13,054 fans were in attendance as the Lady Bulldogs powered their way past the Lady Tamaraws to advance to the Finals for the third-straight season.
“Actually, that’s one of the reasons why I want to play for Chery Tiggo again, because of the fans,” Santiago told reporters on Wednesday.
“Not only in PVL but also in UAAP, every time that I watch a replay of any team I saw the crowd like, ‘Wow! Ito na yung crowd natin sa Pilipinas,’” she added.
With the ever-growing support for PH volleyball, the 6-foot-5 middle blocker couldn’t help but reminisce about her days with the Lady Bulldogs from Season 76 to 80.
“Nung ako naglalaro, parang 'yung NU Lady Bulldogs ‘yung sumusuporta sa amin parang bibilangin mo lang. Ngayon nakakatuwa, nakakataba ng puso na maglaro and mag-inspire ng hindi lang matatanda kundi 'yung mga bata rin na gustong maglaro ng volleyball,” said Santiago.
[ALSO READ: UAAP: Alyssa Solomon reveals "sermon" she received from ate Jaja Santiago after NU's Final Four win over FEU]
With some time off her busy schedule in Japan, expect Santiago to show her support for NU as they go face the University of Santo Tomas on Saturday, May 11 at the Big Dome at 4:00 p.m.
It will air on One Sports, the UAAP Varsity Channel, and the Pilipinas Live app.