Dawn Macandili was reluctant to give an interview. Aside from her innate shyness, she was a literal mess after the Philippines lost in their final match of the AVC Seniors Women’s Championship.
The libero’s daredevil-diving and rolling on the court, which would incapacitate other humans, had resulted in her white jersey getting stained all over. She also sported several bruises on her arms, plus a fresh gash on the left one.
“Siguro nga dapat dalawa ‘yung white jersey ko,” Macandili quipped, still smiling after having taken several painful blows.
Sacrificing her well-being to keep a point alive is, for Macandili, her job — one that she does better than any other libero in the Philippines.
In the tournament, Macandili was at her finest in the Philippines’ brightest moments. From taking world-power South Korea to the brink to upsetting Vietnam, the Philippines had Macandili’s defense and quick reflexes to lean on in a pinch.
Bruised and battered, the De La Salle University Lady Spiker happily says she’d keep pushing herself harder. After all, the Filipino is worth diving for.
“For me naman, it’s my job to get all the balls and, wala, I love my job. Sobrang hindi ko ma-explain. Natural lang ‘yung ginagawa ko sa loob,” said the 21-year old libero.
For now, Mancandili has her focus on the SEA Games, which begin on August 21. Listed only as a reserve, she still has no idea if she’ll be moved to the 12-woman main roster.
“Wala pa naman (napag-uusapan). Kasama ako as reserve,” shared the 2016 PSL All-Filipino Conference Finals MVP.
“Ready naman ako kung saan ako ilagay ni coach. Kung sa reserve, magchi-cheer ako sa team ko. Kung palaruin ako, maglalaro ako with all my heart.”
