V.League: Jaja Santiago, Saitama make it two in a row vs Himeji

FILE – Saitama Ageo Medics. Photo from Saitama Ageo Medics Twitter

MANILA, Philippines — Jaja Santiago and the Saitama Ageo Medics eked out a come-from-behind 25-16, 18-25, 23-25, 25-20, 15-10 victory over the Victorina Himeji to complete a weekend sweep on Sunday in the 2022-23 V.League at Ota City General Gymnasium.

The Filipino import was instrumental for the Ageo Medics as she scored nine points off seven attacks and two blocks as they improved to a 7-3 record for the solo fourth seed after a two-hour match.

Yuka Sato led the comeback, unleashing 26 points, while Serbian import Sara Lozo finally showed her lethal form with 20 points built on 18 kills, one block, and an ace — her best game of the season so far after sitting out games and playing limited minutes in the past games.

Momoko Niida also scored nine as Saitama shifts its focus on top placer Toray Arrows, which hold an 8-2 card, next week.

On Saturday, the 6-foot-5 Santiago poured in eight kills from her nine spike attempts and nailed two blocks to finish with 10 points in their 25-18, 25-18, 25-16 sweep of Himeji.

Santiago and Saitama bounced back after losing three of their last four games in the past two weeks.

The Victorina slumped to their ninth loss in 10 games.

Celeste Plak carried Himeji anew with 20 points. Airi Miyabe dropped 17 points, including six blocks, while Saki Tanaka and Aikiho Matsumoto had 14 and 13 markers, respectively.