MANILA – The Philippine women’s volleyball team prevailed even with a depleted lineup as it swept Cignal HD Spikers 25-21, 25-15, 25-21 in the 2018 Philippine Superliga Invitational on Tuesday at the Imus Sports Center in Imus, Cavite.
Ilongga Aby Maraño switched from middle blocker to opposite spiker but was still dominant with 17 points, on 13 attacks, two blocks and two service aces, to lead the way for the Nationals.
Filipina-American Marjana Philips also had 17 points, on 16 attacks, while Kim Fajardo and Dawn Macandili also produced 15 excellent sets and 18 excellent digs, respectively, for the Philippines.
“We’re happy with the win but we’re still far from our best form and we still have a lot of things to do,” said Nationals head coach Ceseal Delos Santos. “We need more practice. Hopefully we’ll get there in the training camp and international competition.”
The Nationals struggled at the onset of the first set before pulling away late from HD Spikers to draw first blood before erupting in the second set with a 10-point rout for the 2-0 lead.
In the third set, the Nationals was ahead 23-16 before HD Spikers went on a last push to come to within 21-23, but Maraño and Frances Molina uncorked back-to-back hits to complete the Nationals’ sweep win.
National pool member Mylene Paat played for her mother club and finished with 11 points while Rachel Anne Daquis and Mumay Vivas added 8 markers apiece for HD Spikers.
The Nationals participated in the PSL Invitational Tournament as part of its buildup for the 18th Asian Games in August and the AVC Asian Senior Women’s Championship in September./PN
