Jaja Santiago wins first SV.League title as Osaka Marvelous dethrones NEC Red Rockets

Jaja Santiago is a champion once again after helping the Osaka Marvelous dethrone the defending champions NEC Red Rockets with a 25-22, 25-21, 25-16 win in Game 2 of the 2024-2025 SV.League championship on Saturday.

Santiago, also known by her Japanese name Sachi Minowa, chipped in 10 points in the title clincher built on seven attacks and three blocks as they dethroned the two-time champions with a sweep of the best-of-three finals affair.

This made the Filipina-Japanese ace a champion anew as she previously helped steer the Ageo Medics to the V Cup title in 2021.

Belgian opposite hitter Lise Van Hecke led the offense with 13 points while team captain Mizuki Tanaka chimed in with 12 markers on 11 attacks and one block to star in their revenge victory over NEC, who beat them last year in the finals.

On the way to the finals, Osaka dominated the regular season with an impressive 37-7 win-loss card before winning over Astemo Rivale Ibaraki and the Denso Airybees in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News