Eight-member Nationals dump Cignal

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The national team continued to dish out big games even with a depleted roster, storming past Cignal, 25-21, 25-15, 25-21, to nail its second win in the Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga Invitational Conference at the Imus Sports Center in Cavite yesterday.

From a nine-woman squad in last Saturday’s win over Cocolife, the Asian Games-bound spikers showed up with only eight players this time with skipper Aby Maraño and pool member MJ Phillips unloading 17 points apiece to power the team to the straight-set romp.

Due to lack of players, middle blocker Maraño played as opposite spiker and responded with 13 spikes, a pair of blocks and two aces. She also had six excellent receptions.

“I’m proud of our players because they are flexible in adjusting to other positions, especially our team captain who played as opposite spiker. She’s always ready,” said Phl coach Shaq Delos Santos on Maraño.

It was Cignal’s first defeat but the loss won’t affect its 3-0 record in Pool B.

National pool member Mylene Paat played for her mother club and finished with 11 points while Rachel Anne Daquis and Mumay Vivas added eight markers apiece.

Phillips also made a rousing debut wearing the national jersey as she tallied 16 kills and finished with 17 points.

Ces Molina also came up with six hits, 14 digs and six receptions while playmaker Kim Fajardo made 15 excellent sets and libero Dawn Macandili finished with 18 digs.

Delos Santos, however, stressed they are still far from being ready for the Asiad in Jakarta this August.

“Honestly speaking we’re happy because we keep on winning here but we’re still far from our best form and we still have a lot of things to do,” he said.