Jaja Santiago, Saitama Ageo Medics fall to Hitachi in return from month-long break

In their first game back after more than a month, Jaja Santiago and her Saitama Ageo Medics could not complete the win against Hitachi Rivale, 25-21, 27-29, 25-18, 18-25, 25-27, on Saturday in the Japan V. League.

The 6-foot-5 Filipina import finished with 16 points anchored on 12 attacks, two blocks, and two service aces as Saitama dropped to 10-7 for a seventh spot.

Yuka Sato also proved to be cog for Saitama after the Japanese hitter tallied 19 markers on 18 attacks and one denial but it went for naught as they failed to build on their momentum following sweep of Kurobe in mid-January.

This was Saitama's first game since January 16 after six of their games were cancelled due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols.

The Ageo Medics will try to bounce back when they face Denso Airybees on Sunday at 2 p.m.

—JMB, GMA News