Jaja Santiago displayed her defensive prowess at the net to carry the Saitama Ageo Medics to a 25-19, 25-23, 25-19 repeat win over the NEC Red Rockets in the Japan V.League on Sunday at the Todoroki Arena.
The 6-foot-5 middle blocker intimidated the attackers of the Red Rockets with her towering presence as she scored six of the Ageo Medics’ 10 kill blocks.
She also had nine kills to close her second of back-to-back games with 15 points to help the Ageo Medics complete a weekend sweep of the Red Rockets.
The Ageo Medics also spoiled the return of Japanese national team star Sarina Koga, who sat out Saturday’s match won by Saitama, 25-21, 25-19, 25-13.
Santiago, who had nine points Saturday to begin her fifth season with the club, started in all three sets.
Yuka Sato posted 18 points including 16 off attacks while Momoko Niida and Kyogo Aoyaki had 12 and nine markers, respectively, for the Ageo Medics, who once again sat out Serbian import Sara Lozo.
The Ageo Medics outgunned the Red Rockets, 50-39, despite giving away 19 points off their miscues.
Koga debuted with 10 points and 10 excellent receptions for the NEC. Chinami Furuya led the Red Rockets, who fell to a 0-2 record, with 13 points while Misaki Yamuchi and Kaori Ueno got seven markers each.