Jaja Santiago makes history, helps Ageo Medics win Japan V Cup crown

FILE – Jaja Santiago for Saitama. AGEO MEDICS PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Jaja Santiago made history when she helped steer Saitama to the Japanese V.Cup title at the expense of NEC, 26-24, 20-25, 25-21, 25-17, Sunday at Ota City General Gymnasium in Tokyo.

The victory made Santiago the first Filipino to win a volleyball title outside of the Philippines.

After a 5-0 sweep of Group B in the eliminations, the Ageo Medics held off JT Marvelous in the semifinals 25-21, 25-22, 18-25, 18-25, 15-13 setting up a finals showdown with the Red Rockets—a team they already beat in the preliminaries.

The 6-foot-5 Santiago put up 11 points on nine successful spikes and two blocks while Mami Uchiseto and Yuka Sato led the Ageo Medics’ scoring front with 15 points.

Shainah Joseph had 14 points to help Saitama.

This is Santiago’s second hardware with Saitama after the team finished with the bronze medal in the 2020 V.League tournament.

Ayumi Yoshida led the Red Rockets with 21 points.