Abstract: A composite nonwoven for controlled acquisition and distribution of liquid, comprising at least a first support layer and a first bulky layer, the bulky layer functioning to acquire and distribute liquid and the support layer being suitable for use either as a coverstock or as a transfer layer between the bulky layer and a liquid retention layer, the support layer and the bulky layer being bonded together, by non-chemical bonding, by a network of individual bonding points to form a liquid control system that facilitates liquid distribution within the individual layers and liquid transfer between the layers, the composite nonwoven showing a combination of a low strike-through time and a low rewet; and a high-speed in-line process for producing the composite nonwoven, the process comprising forming a first support layer, e.g.