Jaja Santiago’s JT Marvelous prevailed over Jia De Guzman’s Denso Airybees with a hard-earned 23-25, 23-25, 25-16, 25-21, 17-15 victory in the Japan V. League on Saturday, Nov. 4, at the Park Arena Komai.

The top seed Marvelous bucked a slow start before emerging victorious in the extended match to maintain their unbeaten record in five games. 

Filipina middle blocker Santiago delivered 12 points, including crucial hits in the pivotal final three sets to help the squad remain as the only unscathed team. 

It was American import Annie Drews, though, who registered a team-high 30 points, while Mizuki Tanaka finished with 12 markers. 

Meanwhile, eight-time PVL Best Setter De Guzman had a limited time on the court for Airybees, who, in turn, dropped their back-to-back games for a 1-2 record. 

Minami Nakamoto breathed life into the Airybees’ offensive production with 19 points. 

Santiago moved from Saitama Ageo Medics to JT Marvelous in June ahead of the season, while De Guzman signed with Denso Airybees last month after six years with the Creamline Cool Smashers in the Premier Volleyball League.