The Philippine Women’s National Volleyball Team made quick work of the Cocolife Asset Managers in their first outing of the 2018 Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga Invitational Cup, 25-13, 25-17, 25-11, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Featuring 11 players, the National Team took time to find their stride, but dominated their younger foes in decisive bursts. The Nationals, from trailing 12-13, powered in a 13-0 run to close the first set.
Tied at 11, the National Team took control of the second set behind Jaja Santiago’s serving. The 6-foot-5 winger delivered two aces in a run that pushed her team to an insurmountable 20-13 gap. Cocolife fell apart in the final set, allowing the National Team to grab a 16-6 cushion and never look back.
Santiago finished with 17 points off 13 attacks and four aces. Dindin Santiago-Manabat added 12 markers, all off attacks.
Libero Denden Lazaro decided to play for the National Team instead of her club, tallying 16 digs and eight excellent receptions.
Patricia Peña and Justine Tiu led the Asset Managers with six points each.
The National Team next take on the Cignal HD Spikers in the second of three exhibition matches at the Imus Sports Center.
The Scores:
Philippines (3) – Santiago 17, Manabat 12, Paat 6, Maraño 6, Fajardo 5, Baron 4, Ortiz 3, Rosario 2, Lazaro (L)
Cocolife (0) – Peña 6, Tiu 6, Barroga 5, Tan 3, Alkuino 2, Patnongon 2, Tongco 2, Bangad 0, Esperanza 0, Fabay 0, Tejada 0, Dusaran (L)
