JAJA Santiago made history as she became the first Filipino volleyball player to win a title overseas, helping lead the Saitama Ageo Medics to a final victory over the NEC Red Rockets in the Japan V.League V Cup on Sunday. Saitama won the cup in four sets, 26-24, 20-25, 25-21 and 25-17, at the Ota City General Gymnasium in Tokyo. Santiago, who stands 6’5”, didn’t have an excellent outing but provided enough support for her team as she poured 11 points, built on nine attacks and two blocks in the win. The trio of Mami Uchiseto, Yuka Sato and Canadian Shainah Joseph, who suited up as an import in the Philippine Super Liga, did the heavy lifting, scattering 15, 15 and 14 points, respectively. The title is the second podium finish for Santiago as the former National University standout won the bronze medal with the same team last year in the V.League.

Source: Manila Times March 28, 2021 22:52 UTC