National team player Dindin Manabat scores one over Aerieal Patnongon of Cocolife. Handout

Despite a depleted lineup, the Philippine women’s national team still dominated Cocolife, 25-13, 25-17, 25-11, in the Philippine Superliga (PSL) Invitational Conference Saturday at FilOil Flying V Centre.

With only 9 players available, the national team remained formidable in its first game as sisters Jaja Santiago and Dindin Manabat did most of the damage, trouncing the Asset Managers in just 71 minutes.

In the second game, Sisi Rondina, Bernadeth Pons and national team stalwart Mika Reyes fueled Petron to a 25-9, 25-16, 25-17 win over UP-United Auctioneers Inc., the Blaze Spikers' second straight victory in as many games to tie idle F2 Logistics on top of their group.

Santiago top-scored with 17 points built on 13 kills and four service aces, including five receptions, while elder sister Manabat nailed 12 hits to deliver the Philippines’ first win in 3 tune-up matches in the conference in preparation for international competition.

Setter Kim Fajardo also shone bright, pacing the team with 29 excellent sets on top of five hits while Mylene Paat was instrumental with seven points and 13 digs and skipper Aby Maraño firing away five aces for six points.

“We’re still adjusting and we missed a lot of key players but the important thing (was) all the players delivered for us,” said national head coach Shaq delos Santos, who missed 10 other pool players.

“Even it was a game without any bearing, we’re still thankful that we won our first game.”

In the other game, Petron's Rondina led the way with an all-around finishing with 11 points including 13 digs and 9 excellent receptions. 

Pons and Reyes chipped in 10 hits apiece while veteran Aiza Maizo-Pontillas also shone with 9 markers.

Isa Molde was the lone bright spot for the Lady Maroons, who dropped to a 0-2 win-loss record at fourth place in Pool A.

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