Jaja Santiago and her Saitama made a statement, upsetting top seed Toray in five sets, 22-25, 25-16, 25-15, 19-25, 15-12, in the 2021-22 V.League Division 1 women’s tournament, Wednesday at the Yokooji Sports Park Gymnasium in Kyoto.
Santiago, one of the best blockers in the league, dropped 12 points on eight attacks and four blocks. She also connected on half of her spikes, going 8-of-16.
This is the second time Ageo Medics have defeated the Arrows, with the first on February 26, also a five-setter.
Brazilian import Lorenne Teixeira unleashed 22 points while Mami Uchiseto chimed in 21 points of her own.
Kyoko Aoyagi made 11 points while super substitute Aki Meguro also made double figures with 11 as well.
Saitama improved to fifth seed behind an 18-13 win-loss card while handing Toray its seventh loss in 32 outings.
League top scorer Jana Kulan carried the fight for the Arrows with 29 points on 25 spikes and four blocks but was not enough.
Mayu Ishikawa got 18 points while Yoshino Nishikawa added 12 points in the losing cause.
Santiago will cap off her third season with Ageo Medics with back-to-back games against Himeji this weekend.
