LA SALLE finally unleashed one of its hidden gems for UAAP Season 87 in 22-year-old Fil-American winger Jill Santos.
Carrying three years of US NCAA experience playing for the University of Illinois Chicago, Santos had her longest stretch on in-game action for the Lady Spikers so far in their 25-22, 25-13, 25-23 win over University of the East.
READ: Is Jill Santos the future of La Salle women's volleyball?
There, in two sets played, Santos racked up six attacks, four digs and four receptions.
With only two years of UAAP eligibility on hand, the 5-foot-10 spiker continues to trust the process as part of the league’s most successful women’s volleyball program under 12-time champion coach Ramil de Jesus’ wing.
“I’m grateful to have a lot of experience playing volleyball. I think I’ve been in my adjustment process, adapting to a new system of play,” Santos said.
“The thing that keeps me going is my teammates, first and foremost, and I have full trust in my coaches. We’ve been working hard every day, in and out of the gym.
“At the end of the day, whenever I’m needed, I hope I’ll be able to contribute to the team and help further their success.”
Santos is no stranger to the UAAP as a former high school player for National University and University of Santo Tomas.
Her first crack in the seniors’ ranks was with Ateneo as one of its Season 84 reserves but didn’t see action in that campaign.
By the end of her Chicago stint, it was La Salle — her mother’s alma mater — that won the sweepstakes to secure her services.
Star-spangled title quest continues
May it be through off-the-bench roles or with extended game time the rest of the way, the green-and-white’s promising rookie won’t leave any stone unturned in the closing stages of their Final Four pursuit.
“We’re feeling good about our standing in the [season] so far. We’re at a good spot, but you know, the work is not done yet. We still got a few more opponents to face. We still need to work hard, build on that standing by collecting more wins, and we do that together as a team,” Santos said.
“While we’re at second, we’re not gonna be complacent. We’re gonna continue working hard, even harder actually.”
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