SPORTS

Santiago lifts Ageo Medics

Mark Escarlote

Jaja Santiago delivered another scintillating performance for the streaking Saitama Ageo Medics.

Picking up from where she left off last week, Santiago fired 11 points to power the Ageo Medics to a dominating sweep of PFU Blue Cats, 25-20, 25-18, 25-22, for their third straight win in the 2022-23 Japan V.League at Yume Arena Takata on Saturday.

The 6-foot-5 middle blocker was efficient on attacks, landing 7 of her 11 spikes. She was also effective at the net with four kill blocks to for Saitama, which has yet to drop set in the tournament.

Santiago, who is in her fifth season as import with the Japanese club, also played a huge role in the Ageo Medics' two-game sweep of the NEC Red Rockets last week.

Yuka Sato paced the Ageo Medics with 15 points built on 14 kills and an ace.

Aki Meguro added 12 points, Kyoko Aoyagi chipped in 10 markers while Momoko Niida added nine for Saitama, which once again played sans Serbian import Sara Lozo.

Saitama will have a rematch against PFU on Sunday.

Melissa Valdes finished with 13 points while Roslandy Acostas had 11 markers for the Blue Cats, who remain winless in three games.