From foes to friends, Jheck Dionela and Dawn Macandili-Catindig team up after long history of duels.
The signing of star libero Dawn Macandili-Catindig to Cignal was the first domino to fall in what has been an exciting PVL offseason. Easily one of the most high-profile transfers entering 2024, the move also allowed two longtime rivals to pair up with the HD Spikers.
Dawn joins lifer Jheck Dionela in Cignal, and after many high-stakes duels in the past when Macandili was the anchor of F2 Logistics, the two liberos join forces with Team Awesome.
The excitement is palpable, as perhaps for the first time ever, Dawn is in a team where she's not the lone master libero.
“Si Ate Jheck, sobrang tagal na rin sa volleyball scene and I’m excited to learn more with her," Macandili-Catindig told One Sports.
"Very excited lang ako kasi siyempre iba ‘yung may kasama na libero na madami pang matuturo sakin,” Dawn added.
The sentiment is shared by Dionela, who relishes the fact that she doesn't have to beat Dawn in a game for once.
A true team Pioneer, Jheck's Cignal teams fought many battles against Dawn and the Cargo Movers. If the HD Spikers are to identify a true volleyball rival, F2 Logistics probably tops the list of candidates.
“Actually, before pa talaga na-excite ako at tsaka na-inspire ako kapag kalaban ko talaga si Dawn. Parang ‘uy, bakit siya kaya niya? Dapat kaya ko rin.’ Dapat ganun ‘yung naging mindset ko,” said Dionela.
“Isa rin siya sa naging inspiration ko sa buong career ko kaya I’m very thankful na ngayon teammate na kami, hindi ako medyo mahihirapan makipag-compete sa kanya,” she added.
All is fair in love and war, and while both Dawn and Jheck are excited for their team up, the "rivalry" remains.
Competition does not stop just because they share the same jersey.
“Dito, healthy competition kami," Jheck said. "Siyempre hindi rin tayo magpapahuli and challenge accepted ito for me kasi pag nakikita ko si Dawn nage-extra hard work, siyempre nag-gaganun din ako para equal lang ‘yung naco-contribute namin sa team."
Team contribution. That's where things ultimately come down upon in the new dynamic that is Dawn x Jheck. The HD Spikers want a breakthrough PVL title, and for Cignal to establish its footing, the foundation set by Dionela and Macandili matters.
Or is it Macandili and then Dionela? It doesn't matter as long as they compete... and hopefully, win.
“Kailanganin man ako, nandito lang ako," Dionela said. "Back up ako ni Dawn na suportahin ko siya, suportahan kami."