Cignal libero Dawn Macandili-Catindig wants to help HD Spikers overcome Japanese team Kurashiki Ablaze in the virtual playoff for the PVL Invitational Conference final.
Dawn Macandili-Catindig has finally returned to the Cignal HD Spikers after being cleared from national team duty with Alas Pilipinas, and her timing has been nothing short of impeccable.
Already suiting up for the HD Spikers during their penultimate preliminaries match against the Creamline Cool Smashers on Monday, the defensive specialist expects to have a bigger impact in their next game--a do-or-die contest against PVL Invitational Conference defending champions Kurashiki Ablaze.
Their match on Wednesday is a virtual qualifier to the gold medal match slated the day after.
And now with more experience going up against international teams – Japanese squads specifically – Dawn is looking to pass on what she knows to her teammates.
“Coming into this game, mas magiging proactive kami ni Vanie [Gandler] kasi we have experiences coming against Japanese teams, not only ‘yung sa [SAGA] Hisamitsu [Springs] but also when we were training in Himeji,” she said after their four-set loss to Creamline on Monday.
“In a way, they have these certain techniques na alam naming ganun na very standard ‘yun sa Japan and ma-sheshare namin ‘yun sa team coming into this game,” she added.
There won’t be any shortage of motivation for Macandili-Catindig and the rest of the HD Spikers, as they are also seeking their first-ever title in the PVL.
Should the HD Spikers be successful against Hisamitsu, they will be given a second chance against the Cool Smashers who qualified to the final with their win over Cignal.
Apart from her familiarity with Japanese teams, Dawn is also eager to be a better leader for her teammates – especially after being with the youngsters in the national team.
“Nadadala ko ‘yung experiences ko sa national team here in terms of leadership din, kasi puro bata ‘yung kasama ko sa national team so nadadala ko rin ‘yun [sa Cignal],” she said.
As Macandili-Catindig comes back from her lengthy absence, the decorated libero also beamed with pride at how her team was able to buck her and Gandler’s absence – as evidenced by their bronze medal finish at the recently-concluded Reinforced Conference.
Knowing that her teammates–such as fellow liberos Judith Abil and Jheck Dionela–are more than capable of filling in her shoes, Dawn is able to fulfill her national team duties with peace of mind.
“Sobrang thankful ako siyempre kasi very torn ako kasi I’m not here for the team and I have to fulfill my duties with the national team,” said the former DLSU standout.
“Talagang thankful ako sa kanila kasi nagtutulungan sila na makatulong sa team at talagang binibigay nila yung best nila,” she added.
Macandili-Catindig and the HD Spikers collide with the Kurashiki Ablaze in the curtain closer of the preliminary round on Wednesday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City at 6:00 p.m.
This will air live on One Sports+ and the Pilipinas Live app, with a delayed telecast on One Sports at 11:00 p.m.