Saitama suffered its first loss after surrendering to defending champions JT Marvelous, 21-25, 26-28, 25-17, 23-25, in the 2021-22 Japan V.League Division 1 women’s tournament, Saturday at the Higashiyama Gymnasium in Kyoto.
Jaja Santiago went 7-of-15 in her attacks, good for 46.7 percent. She also made two blocks to finish with nine points in the losing cause.
Faced with a possible sweep, the Ageo Medics fought back in the third frame, 25-17, to extend the match to a fourth set.
But the two-time defending titlists were just too much, securing their third straight victory in the fourth frame, 25-23.
Andrea Drews punched in 23 points for JT Marvelous but was still well-guarded. She went just 22-of-67 in spiking.
Mizuki Tanaka also made twin figures with 13 points.
After subpar performances in their first two outings, Brazilian import Lorenne Teixeira finally showed up for Ageo Medics with 20 points.
Mami Uchiseto tallied 18 points with three blocks while Yuka Sato got 16 points with two service aces.
Santiago and Saitama will try to split their weekend games against JT Marvelous tomorrow, 11:00 AM, at the same arena.
