FILE–Jaja Santiago and Saitama Ageo Medics in the Japan V.League. SAITAMA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Saitama and Jaja Santiago fell to NEC, 25-23, 25-17, 30-28, in the women’s division of the 2021-22 Japan V.League season Wednesday at Saitama Prefectural Budokan in Ageo City.
The Ageo Medics tallied their second loss in three matches to slip to an 11-8 record at the sixth seed of the standings while the Red Rockets improved to 14-5 at the third spot.
Aoyagi Kyoko led Saitama with 10 points while Santiago and Lorenne Teixeira added nine points apiece.
Sarina Koga had 21 points to lead NEC while Shimamura Haruyo added 14 points in their third win in four matches.
The Ageo Medics will next face the Toray Arrows, who hold the second seed with a 15-4 record, on Saturday at Saitama Prefectural Budokan.