Jaja helps Ageo Medics rule Japan V. Cup

MANILA, Philippines — Filipina pride Jaja Santiago made history after helping Ageo Medics win the Japan V. Cup title at the expense of NEC Red Rockets, 26-24, 20-25, 25-21, 25-17, yesterday at the Ota City General Gym in Tokyo, Japan.

The 6-foot-5 Santiago became the first Filipina player to win an overseas volleyball league title with this championship in the V. Cup, a special V. League Division I tourney for non-members of the Japan national team pool preparing for the Tokyo Olympics.

Santiago, a Philippine team stalwart already in her third season in Japan, racked up 11 markers on nine kills and two blocks in Ageo Medics’ unbeaten run.

Former Sta. Lucia import Shainah Joseph chipped in 14 while Yuka Sato posted 15 points including the championship-winning attack.

Part of the Saitama-based squad’s astounding campaign included a 25-21, 25-22, 18-25, 18-25, 15-13 semifinal upset win against powerhouse JT Marvelous, which ruled the main V. League tournament last month.

Santiago, the former UAAP MVP from National U, and her squad finished fifth in the said tournament proper while their V. Cup finals foe NEC placed third.