Jaja Santiago and Saitama Ageo Medics did everything in their power to put themselves in prime position for the semifinals, and it is now a game of wait and see.
Ageo Medics took down third seed NEC, 24-26, 25-22, 25-22, 25-21, in the final day of eliminations of the 2020-21 Japan V.League Division 1 women’s tournament at Plaza Ishikawa, Sunday.
But to clinch the last semis spot, Saitama needs Denso to lose its game against Hisamitsu later today at 2:30 pm. A Denso win will drop Ageo Medics to the 5th to 8th ranking match.
6-foot-5 Santiago nailed another twin-digit performance with 13 points built on 12 attacks and a block kill.
Mami Uchiseto led the way again for Ageo Medics with 18 markers on 15 spikes, a block, and two aces. Meanwhile, partner Yuri Yoshino had 15.
Shainah Joseph and Kyoko Aoyagi also chipped in 17 points apiece.
Saitama closed the regular round with five straight wins to push its record to 12-8.
Neriman Özsoy got 18 points for NEC, but went just 15-of-66 in the attacking department.
Keina Soga tallied 17 markers including two aces, while Sarina Koga added 15 for the 15-5 Red Rockets.
Whether it be the semifinals or the 5th to 8th ranking match, Ageo Medics will see the Taraflex again on Saturday, Feb. 20.
