Jaja Santiago and Saitama pumped life to their playoff hopes, stunning higher-ranked NEC, 25-21, 25-22, 20-25, 25-17, in the 2021-22 V.League Division 1 women’s tournament, Sunday at the Kose Sports Park Gymnasium in Yamanashi.
Santiago erupted for 21 big points, including five blocks. She also went a hyper-efficient 16-of-22 in her attacks.
Getting those numbers from the Filipina import is not new for she is the third-most efficient attacker in the league while having the most blocks.
The win put Ageo Medics at 16-10 for fifth place, more importantly, cutting the lead of third seed Red Rockets to just 2.5 games with seven games remaining.
With her excellent performance, Santiago also earned the player of the game honors.
Brazilian reinforcement Lorenne Teixeira added 19 points on 16 attacks, two blocks, and an ace, while Yuka Sato chimes in 14 points.
Meanwhile, Mami Uchiseto and Kyoko Aoyagi combined for 25 points with 13 and 12, respectively.
Sarina Koga was limited to just 14 points in the loss, including a poor 13-of-43 in her spikes.
Nanami Hirose made 10 points while Kasumi Nojima got nine.
Saitama looks to further close in on the third spot when it faces defending champion JT Marvelous on Saturday, 11 am, at the Hitachinaka Sports Park Gymnasium.
