Dawn Macandili-Catindig emphasized the importance of international exposure and teamwork as key lessons from Alas Pilipinas Women’s first friendly against Japan’s Saga Hisamitsu Springs.
Alas Pilipinas Women surely gained some valuable experience following their first international friendly match against Japan’s Saga Hisamitsu Springs at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Saturday, September 7.
Dawn Macandili-Catindig, leading the national team for the first time as captain, shared her reflections on their match against the eight-time Japan SV.League champions.
The 28-year-old libero acknowledged the pressure of wearing the captain’s armband for the first time, but was quick to highlight her teammates' maturity amid the new challenge of facing a top-rated Japanese team.
"Nandun ‘yung pressure na I have to lead the team pero madali namang sumunod yung mga kasama ko," Macandili-Cantindig told reporters after the match. "Sa sarili nila, alam nila yung mga adjustments na kailangan namin and mature enough na sila para mag-adjust nang sarili nila."
This trust in her teammates eased some pressure, but Macandili-Catindig also noted that collective growth was still needed for the team to reach its full potential.
The match against Hisamitsu Springs revealed several areas in which Alas Pilipinas still need to improve upon.
Macandili-Catindig pointed out the contrast between the two teams, particularly regarding coordination and game awareness.
"’Yung kabila, alam na nila kung paano sila gagalaw, didiskarte. Sa side namin, nakita namin ano pa yung kulang namin and what we have to work on,” said Macandili-Catindig.
“Siguro ‘yung inconsistencies pa na kailangan namin i-work on kung paano maging consistent in our own selves kasi individually, you can be the best, but together, it’s a different kind of skill na kailangan namin ma-perfect pa,” she added.
[ALSO READ: Alas: Dawn Macandili-Catindig, Jen Nierva ready to absorb lessons from facing SAGA Hisamitsu Springs]
Despite their defeat, Macandili-Catindig remains optimistic about the team’s chances in their upcoming rematch against Hisamitsu Springs.
She also underscored the critical role that international exposure plays in the team's development.
"Dahil nakalaban na namin sila today, marami na kaming makikitang improvements for tomorrow and mga kailangan naming i-work on pa," said Macandili-Catindig.
“If we fight against these top-caliber teams, mas marami pa kaming matututunan especially for them kasi iba yung style talaga ng international,” she added.
Alas Women will be back in action tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. against the Hisamitsu Springs, still at the PhilSports Arena.