Jaja Santiago and the Saitama Ageo Medics need all the love and support they can get for Saturday’s must-win match.
Filipino volleyball import Jaja Santiago and her Saitama Ageo Medics are in the middle of their semifinals campaign in the Japanese V.League. On Saturday, they outlasted the Hisamitsu Springs in five sets at the Takasaki Arena wherein Santiago delivered 15 kills, a block, and an ace. The following day, however, was an entirely different story.
Inside the same arena, Saitama was turned back by the top-seeded Toray Arrows in straight sets. In the loss, the former National University Lady Bulldog had a modest output of 8 points and 2 blocks. Amid the rollercoaster semis ride for the Ageo Medics, Jaja has been receiving a ton of support from fans and peers alike, sending her encouraging words on Instagram. Among her well-wishers is her fiancé and Ageo Medics assistant coach Taka Minowa.
On a picture of Santiago wherein she’s up in the air going for beautiful spike, Minowa wrote the caption, “Team will never lose as long as she is shining on the court.”
“Always grateful for your support! I love you so much,” the star middle blocker replied.
With a 1-1 slate, the Ageo Medics are in a must-win situation heading into their last match in the penultimate stage against the NEC Red Rockets. For Saitama to live up to its billing as the second seed, Santiago must put on an inspiring performance for her squad. Maybe, her soon-to-be-husband’s uplifting messages, and the fact that they are celebrating their anniversary today are enough to make that happen.
Saitama and NEC are set to duke it out on Saturday.