Jaja Santiago stars as PH sweeps Malaysia to open Vietnam SEA Games volleyball bid

The Philippine national women's volleyball team opened its 31st Southeast Asian Games on the right foot, sweeping Malaysia, 25-14, 25-20, 25-15, on Friday at the Quang Ninh Gymnasium in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Jaja Santiago, who was unable to suit up in the 2019 edition, was quick to show off her wares, leading the Filipinas in the opening set as they took an early 11-6 cushion.

The Malaysians hardly converted from that point on as Santiago, alongside Mylene Paat, Ria Meneses, and Ces Molina, conspired for a 25-14 first set win.

They, however, had to survive Malaysia's huge rally in the second set as the opponents regained the lead, 17-15. Kat Tolentino was able to tie things up at 17 before back-to-back points from Santiago made it a 20-18 advantage for the Philippines.

Molina then took advantage of Malaysia's bad reception as they took a commanding 2-0 set lead, 25-20.

The Philippines further asserted dominance in the third set, building a huge 16-5 lead off a block from the lefty Paat. A drop hit from Molina gave them the match point, 24-15, before Paat sealed the deal for the Philippines.

The win put the Philippines in a great position for a medal finish after a no-win campaign in the previous SEA Games iteration here in Manila.

—JMB, GMA News