Recently, a video of De La Salle University libero Dawn Macandili went viral. During their second set against the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses, the reigning Best Receiver dove twice to save a ball then absorbed strong hits in the span of a single point.
Macandili’s daredevil exploits on the court happen on an almost game-to-game basis, and she has the bruises and floor burns to show for it.
But all the pain is worth it, especially given how much she’s helping the Lady Spikers. La Salle are the top receiving team and second-best digging squad, largely in part to the efforts of the five-foot-five defensive ace.
“For me, napa-proud ako sa sarili ko kasi nagpe-pay off ‘yung pinaghihirapan ko sa training. Kasi ‘yun naman talaga ang gusto ko — ma-translate ‘yung ginagawa ko sa training into the game,” said Macandili.
She admits that their intense training regimen is what helps prepare her physically for the wear and tear. She also spends time in the film room, going through the intricacies of how her opponents attack and serve.
Other than that, there really is nothing special with how Macandili has reached her level of play.
“Sobrang hardwork lang at tiwala lang kay coach Ramil (De Jesus) [‘yung ginagawa namin]. Importante talagang makinig sa kanya and prepare hard talaga,” Macandili added.
The 20-year-old is bent on bringing the Lady Spikers to a second title in a row.
“Siyempre kahit may twice-to-beat na kami, hindi pa naman tapos ‘yung season namin doon. Ang goal talaga is championship pero ang paisa-isa lang ang paghahanda namin hindi doon agad ‘yung iniisip namin,” she declared.
