MANILA – Jaja Santiago struggled with her points anew as Saitama Ageo Medics bowed to JT Marvelous, 25-23, 25-18, 25-20, in the 2021-2022 Japan V.League Division 1 women’s tournament at the Higashiyama Gymnasium in Kyoto.
The former National University Lady Bulldogs star was limited to just four points, on three attacks and a block, as the Ageo Medics suffered its second straight defeat on Sunday for a 2-2 win-loss slate.
After being pushed to the limit by the pesky Ageo Medics in the first set, the defending champions JT went on a rampage in the second and third frame to score a repeat victory over Saitama.
JT Marvelous import Andrea Drews went for 22 points, built on 19 attacks, two block kills, and a service ace, while Mizuki Tanaka chipped in 14 points, on 11 attacks and three blocks.
Mami Uchiseto carried the offense for Ageo Medics with 12 points,.Yuka Sato saw herself limited to just eight points, while Brazilian import Lorenne Teixeira managed just three points.
Santiago and the Saitama Ageo Medics look to return in the win column when they take on PFU Bluecats on Saturday and Sunday at Komatsu General Gymnasium in Ishikawa.
Meanwhile, Marck Espejo of FC Tokyo and Bryan Bagunas of Oita Miyoshi Weisse Adler suffered separate defeats in the 2021-2022 Japan V.League men’s tournament on Sunday.
Espejo had another solid outing with 19 points but was not enough as FC Tokyo suffered its fourth defeat in as many games against JTEKT Stings, 25-17, 22-25, 23-25, 27-25, 15-11.
Bagunas and Weisse Adler, on the other hand, suffered their third straight defeat in four matches after being swept by the Nagoya Wolfdogs, 25-23, 25-23, 25-22, at the Toyoda Gosei Memorial Gymnasium Entryo.
The 6-foot-2 Bagunas, a former National University Bulldogs standout, delivered 12 points scattered through nine attacks, two blocks, and a service ace for the Weisse Adler./PN
