Jaja Santiago and Saitama were stunned by 10th-ranked Toyota Auto Body in a thriller, 25-21, 19-25, 22-25, 27-25, 15-17, in the 2021-22 V.League Division 1 women’s tournament, Saturday at the Sanyo Fureai Park Gymnasium in Okayama.
The 6-foot-5 Filipina import shone anew despite the defeat, dropping 16 points on nine attacks and an eye-popping seven blocks, proving yet again why she’s one of the best blockers in the league.
But the night belonged to the V.League’s second-top scorer Kelsey Robinson who erupted for 34 points on 29 attacks, four blocks, and a service ace to lead the Queenseis in the upset.
With Toyota threatening to pull away in the fourth set, Ageo Medics pulled off a comeback to extend the game to a decider, 27-25.
But they could not repeat the comeback magic in the fifth frame as the Queenseis snatched the match, 17-15.
Aimi Okawa chipped in 24 points while Aika Hayashida added 15 of her own. Both tallied four blocks apiece as Toyota dominated the blocking department, 15-9.
Yuka Sato paced the Ageo Medics with 19 points while Mami Uchiseto chalked up 17 points in the loss that brought their team down to 16-13.
On the other hand, the Queenseis nabbed their 10th win in 33 outings.
Santiago and Saitama aim to return to the win column tomorrow when they meet Okayama at 12 pm (Manila time) at the same venue.
