By Adrian Stewart Co

Jaja Santiago and the Saitama Ageo Medics returned to their winning ways in the 2021-22 V. League Division 1 women’s tournament at the Saitama Prefectural Budokan on Sunday.

With the Filipina import scoring 24 points, on 16 attacks, seven blocks and an ace, the Ageo Medics hacked out a 25-27, 25-19, 25-17, 21-25, 16-14 over Denso Airybees.

However, it was not an easy win for the Ageo Medics as they trailed 13-9 in the fifth and deciding set before unloading a massive 6-1 scoring run to turn things around.

Brazilian Lorenne Teixeira tallied 28 points on 25 attacks and three blocks, Yuka Sato added 12 points while Mami Uchiseto and Kyoko Aoyagi ended up with 10 each for the 11-7 Saitama.

Yuki Hyodo and Minami Nakamoto finished with 17 points each while import Roslandy Acosta played limited minutes with just six points as Denso slid to 13-7.

The victory served as a bounce back for Santiago and the Ageo Medics after suffering a 25-21, 27-29, 25-18, 18-25, 25-27 defeat to Hitachi Rivale on Saturday.

Santiago, the reigning Premier Volleyball League MVP awardee, tallied 16 points spread through 12 attacks, two blocks, and two service aces in that match./ASC, WDJ