Dawn Macandili-Catindig views her debut conference as a learning experience, especially after Cignal failed to reach the semifinals in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, following back-to-back bronze finishes last year.
The HD Spikers bowed out of the semifinal race but managed to finish their campaign with a bang.
They swept Capital1 in straight sets, 25-19, 25-17, 25-20, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City on Saturday.
“Masaya pa rin naman kahit na we fell short, but for me it’s a learning experience. Siyempre, it’s all about team effort and kailangan talaga naming ma-resolve ‘yung chemistry namin at kung paano namin madadala ‘yung team sa taas,” said Macandili-Catindig.
Cignal was actually in a tight five-team race with Choco Mucho, Creamline, Petro Gazz, Chery Tiggo, and PLDT.
However, they eventually saw themselves booted out after crucial losses to the Crossovers and the Angels in the latter part of the eliminations.
Still, the HD Spikers did not go down easily, bringing down with them the High Speed Hitters, before capping off the season with a rousing win over the Solar Spikers.
The former PVL Best Libero admitted that she’s still in the process of getting to know her teammates but remained confident that the team can straighten things out in the second conference.
“For me, dahil nga bago ako sa team, kinikilala ko pa rin talaga ang bawat teammates ko, ‘yung weaknesses, ‘yung strengths, and ‘yun, I’m still in that process. ‘Yun nga ‘yung gusto ko sa team namin ngayon, through ups and downs talagang solid pa rin,” said Macandili-Catindig.
“Mentally, actually coming into this team, sobrang minimal lang ‘yung adjustments na ginawa ko, like sa routine ko at pagpe-prepare bago ang laro. Kasi ‘yun nga, ‘yung sistema ni Coach Shaq [delos Santos], hindi malayo sa mga naunang teams ko,” she added.
Kaya talagang very comfortable ako at hindi ako nag-struggle na mag-fit in.”
