Disclosed is an absorbent structure having wet integrity greater than about 4.0 mN/gsm, softness greater than 8.0/J, pliability greater than about 70/N, and providing a substantially dry liquid-accepting surface after receiving a quantity of liquid. The structure includes an upper ply having an upper fluid receiving surface and a lower surface and including (i) a top stratum including synthetic matrix fibers bonded with a binder, the matrix fibers having length from about 2 to about 15 mm; (ii) a middle stratum in fluid communication with the top stratum, the middle stratum including natural fibers, superabsorbent particles and a binder; and (iii) a bottom stratum in fluid communication with the middle stratum, the bottom stratum including natural fibers and a binder. The structure also includes a lower ply in fluid communication with the upper ply, the lower ply having an upper surface and a lower surface and including at least one stratum including natural fibers, superabsorbent polymer particles, and a binder, wherein the lower surface of the upper ply has a surface area less than about 80% of the upper surface area of the lower ply.