Defending champion JT Marvelous made quick work of Saitama, 21-25, 21-25, 17-25, in the 2021-22 V.League Division 1 women’s tournament, Saturday at the Hitachinaka Sports Park Gymnasium.
Jaja Santiago fired six points on four attacks and two blocks in the loss.
American import Andrea Drews spearheaded JT Marvelous with 19 points spread through 17 kills, a block, and a service ace. She went 17-of-37 in her attacks for 45.9 percent.
Thai middle blocker Thatdao Nuekjang followed with 12 points on seven attacks, four blocks, and an ace.
Yukiko Wada led the locals with 10 points while Kotona Hayashi and Mizuki Tanaka connived for 17 points.
JT Marvelous looks prime to repeat and is atop the leaderboard with a 23-5 win-loss record.
Ageo Medics, on the other hand, dropped to the sixth spot at 16-11. They are now 3.5 games behind third seed NEC with just six games to play.
Mami Uchiseto led Saitama with 13 points, the lone double-figure scorer.
Brazilian reinforcement Lorenne Teixeira struggled in her attacks with just nine points, going 9-of-35 in her attempts, a poor 25.7 percent.
Ageo Medics will rest tomorrow and will return on the taraflex on Wednesday against second seed Toray, 12 pm, at the Yokooji Sports Park Gymnasium in Kyoto.
