Jaja Santiago’s Saitama finally arrested its three-game funk, sweeping PFU, 27-25, 25-17, 25-18, in the 2021-22 Japan V.League Division 1 women’s tournament at the Komatsu General Gymnasium, Sunday.
The 6-foot-5 Filipina did not even have to score double digits, nailing six points on four attacks and two block kills for her squad to get back to the win column.
The Ageo Medics needed extra possessions in the first frame to put away the Bluecats, 27-25. But that confidence-booster worked wonders; they cruised easily in the next two sets for a 3-3 win-loss card, tied with PFU for sixth.
Mami Uchiseto led Saitama to the much-needed victory with 15 points on a 50-percent attacking rate. Meanwhile, import Lorenne Teixeira finished with 13 points including three service aces.
Melissa Valdez paced the Bluecats with 22 points but she went 19-of-49 in her spiking, a mere 38.8 percent.
Mikoto Shima added nine points in the losing cause.
Santiago and her Ageo Medics look to build on this win to make a run starting on Saturday when they battle Hisamitsu at 1:00 PM at the Panasonic Arena.
