Santiago, Ageo Medics fall to NEC Red Rockets in straight sets

Filipino import Jaja Santiago and the Saitama Ageo Medics failed to pick up where they left off, falling to NEC Red Rockets in straight sets, 25-23, 25-17, 30-28, in Japan V. League on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old Santiago, who ranks third in the league in terms of blocking, tallied nine points on six attacks and three blocks as Ageo Medics dropped to 11-8 in the team standings.

Mami Uchiseto chipped in seven markers in the loss while Yuka Sato and Kyoko Aoyagi combined for 13 points.

Saitama was coming off a victory last Sunday when they outplayed Denso Airybees in five thrilling sets, 25-27, 25-19, 25-17, 21-25, 16-14.

The victory saw two players from Red Rockets finished in double digit with Koga Sarina pouring in team-high 21 points on 19 attacks and two blocks while Haruyo Shimamura added 14.

Ageo Medics will look to bounce back on Saturday, February 26, when they face Toray Arrows, who currently in second place with a 15-4 card. — LA, GMA News