Saitama fell short in the first two sets before completely running out of gas in the third to top seed Toray, 23-25, 25-27, 12-25, in the 2022-23 V.League women’s Division 1 round-robin semifinals, Sunday at the Takasaki Arena.
Ageo Medics need to win next Saturday, April 15 at 2:05 pm (Manila time) against the Red Rockets to barge into the Finals.
Unlike yesterday when Filipina import Jaja Santiago had her ways against Hisamitsu, she was limited to just eight points against the Arrows on six attacks and two blocks.
The 6-foot-5 middle blocker only connected on six of her 15 spike attempts, good for just 40 percent.
The Ageo Medics fell to third spot at 1-1 with just two points after a five-setter win against the Springs, while Toray secured the first Finals seat at 2-0 with six points.
Meanwhile, NEC defeated Hisamitsu in straight sets to improve to 1-1 with three points for second spot.
Azerbaijani import Jana Kulan led the Arrows with 18 points while Mayu Ishikawa chipped in 16 points spread through 13 hits, two service aces, and a block.
Sara Lozo had 14 points to top the scoring chart for Saitama while Yuka Sato chimed 10 points of her own.
