FILE — Jaja Santiago for Saitama. AGEO MEDICS PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Jaja Santiago’s perfect run this season continued as she helped Saitama to a sweep of NEC, 25-16, 25-11, 25-23 that clinched a semifinals slot in the 2020-21 Japan V. League Division 1 V Cup Group B Saturday at Torokozawa Municipal Gymnasium.
The 6-foot-5 Philippine international had an efficient offense with eight points, going 5-of-6 in her spike attempts and tallying three blocks.
Shainah Joseph led the Ageo Medics with 15 points while Mami Uchiseto and Yuka Sato had 13 and 12 points, respectively as the Medics improved to a 4-0 slate in the elimination round.
With Santiago patrolling the airspace, no one in the Red Rockets finished in double figures in scoring.
“I didn’t really need to score but every point I get is for my team,” said Santiago in the post-game interview.
Chinami Furuya put up nine points for the Red Rockets as they dropped to a 3-1 record after their three-game winning streak got snapped.
【試合前円陣】
試合開始30分前。
今日は、#山口珠李 選手が声出し！
GO！Medics✊ #埼玉上尾メディックス#Vカップ pic.twitter.com/8Eju72VZb1
— 埼玉上尾メディックス (@Saitama_AMG) March 20, 2021
The Red Rockets, despite the loss, are still on the hunt for a semifinals spot.
Santiago and the Age Medics look to finish their elimination round schedule on a perfect note as they take on Today Sunday at Japan’s famed Saitama Arena.