Saitama had the upper hand in the first two consecutive sets but became weary in the third frame to give a one set advantage to Himeji.

Still, Ageo Medics did not falter and made sure to finish the game in the fourth frame, led by Brazilian import Lorenne Teixeira and Mami Uchiseto which both scored 19 points apiece combined with Yuka Sato and Kyoko Aoyagi’s 13 and 10 points respectively.

Meanwhile, the Filipino import Jaja contributed 11 markers on eight attacks and three blocks as the Ageo Medics moved to the fifth spot with a 14-8 win-loss record.

Over at the men’s division, Espejo and Co. suffered a three-set sweep against the Sakai Blazers, 19-25, 17-25,19-25 at Nippon Steel Sakai Gymnasium.

As Jonas Kvalen led FC Tokyo with 14 points, Filipino import Marck Espejo was limited to just six points on a 5-of-14 attack.

Sakai’s victory was led by Canadian import Sharone Vernon-Evans’ 20 points coming from 18 attacks and two blocks, Yuki Higuchi’s 14 points on 12 attacks, a block, and an ace, and Takashi Dekita’s 10 points on six attacks and four blocks.

Santiago and Espejo will be competing again on Sunday in their respective divisions where the former will try to continue straight wins against Kurobe (3-18) at the Victorina Wink Gymnasium, and the latter will try to bounce back against the same team.