The Cignal pair of Dawn Macandili-Catindig and Vanie Gandler are back in harness for Cignal as the HD Spikers took on the Creamline Cool Smashers in the PVL Invitational Conference.
Alas Pilipinas players Dawn Macandili-Catindig and Vanie Gandler have received clearance from the national team to return to their PVL club Cignal HD Spikers, as confirmed by head coach Shaq Delos Santos on Monday, September 9.
Macandili-Catindig and Gandler arrived ahead of Cignal’s game against the Creamline Cool Smashers in the PVL Invitational Conference dressed in their uniforms as they were inserted back into the lineup for the game.
The Cignal duo were on a lengthy hiatus from the team since the PVL Reinforced Conference owing to national team duties, but are back in time for the endgame of the short Invitational Conference.
The two national team players join the HD Spikers after incurring tremendous experience with Alas Pilipinas — highlighted by a bronze medal in the AVC Challenge Cup earlier this year.
They also won two bronze medals in the two legs of the SEA V.League.
Most recently, Macandili and Gandler participated in the Alas Pilipinas Invitationals against the SAGA Hisamitsu Springs last weekend at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
But while the pair are in uniform, Dawn and Vanie did not start for Cignal. The HD Spikers and the Cool Smashers play another crucial game, as both teams are 2-0 in the Invitationals.
Meanwhile, another Alas Pilipinas standout in Jema Galanza was notably not in uniform for Creamline. Per Sports Vision and PVL President Ricky Palou, all members of the Alas national team have been cleared, and the information has been relayed to teams.
“As of today, they can join their respective teams,” Palou said.
“Pwede na [Galanza]. I was telling her ‘why aren’t you in uniform?’ Sabi niya, maybe next game,” he added.
(With reports from Jamie Velasco/One Sports Digital)