Saitama’s bid for a playoff spot took another heavy hit, falling short against Hisamitsu, 22-25, 25-23, 31-33, 12-25, in the 2021-22 V.League Division 1 women’s tournament, Saturday at the Kose Sports Park Gymnasium in Yamanashi.
Jaja Santiago was limited to just seven points on five attacks and two blocks. But she went 50 percent on those spikes, making five of her 10 attempts.
The Filipina import is currently ranked as the fourth-most efficient attacker in the league. She also has the most blocks in the 12-team field with 73.
After an extended third set that saw the Springs nab a close 33-31 decision, the Ageo Medics just ran out of gas in the fourth.
With its second consecutive defeat, Saitama fell to sixth seed at 15-10 and is 3.5 games behind of third-ranked NEC at 19-7.
The Ageo Medics have eight games left in their schedule, half of it against teams with winning records.
Foluke Akinradewo spearheaded Hisamitsu with 26 points on 22 attacks, three blocks, and an ace. She trails Santiago in the blocking department by seven.
Arisa Inoue chimed in 23 points while Miyu Nakagawa added 16 points scattered through 10 spikes, three blocks, and three aces.
Hisamitsu maintained its place at the fourth spot at 17-7, just a game behind NEC.
Lorenne Teixeira paced Ageo Medics with 32 big points but was not enough.
Mami Uchiseto also chalked up 20 points of her own in the loss.
Saitama looks to pump its dying playoff bid tomorrow when it meets the Red Rockets tomorrow at 12 pm at the same Yamanashi venue.
