![JT Marvelous Jaja Santiago](https://sports.inquirer.net/files/2024/03/jaja-santiago-jt-marvelous.png)
Jaja Santiago is a member of the Japan V League's JT Marvelous. – Jaja Santiago Instagram
MANILA (Philippines) Jaja Santiago's team JT Marvelous ended their Japan V League Division 1 campaign with a silver medal on Sunday.
Although Santiago missed out on the top award, he won this season's Spike Award, Block Award, and Fighting Spirit Award, and was widely recognized for his performance in being selected as one of the top six in the V League.
However, in the finals, the JT Marvelous lost to the NEC Red Rockets 25-27, 30-32, 25-16, 17-25, and the Filipino middle blocker could not bring home the championship.
read: Jaja Santiago is still a long way from obtaining Japanese citizenship
She finished the final game with 13 points, which was the team's only loss.
“Now that the league is over, I just want to take a moment to express my gratitude. First and foremost, I want to thank God for his guidance throughout the year. A safe league, no injuries, and everything he has given me. I am so grateful for the wonderful opportunity I have been given,” Santiago said in an Instagram post.
Santiago's husband, NXLED coach Taka Minowa, also attended the match in Japan.
read: How coach Taka Minowa and Jaja Santiago handle long-distance work
„I got teary-eyed just watching Jaja play in the final, but I felt calm after the game because both of my families were there,“ Minowa said in a Facebook post.
„But when she came upstairs crying, I couldn't keep my composure and started crying in public.“
Her PVL club Cherry Tigo also paid warm tribute to Santiago.
„One more book for the books. Dear Jaja, Congratulations on a great season in Japan with JT Marvelous! The CHERY family is always proud of you,“ Crossover wrote.
Santiago signed with the Marvelous in June of last year after playing for Saitama Ageo Medics.