Macandili draws inspiration from younger teammates in daredevil play

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Dawn Macandili has proven she is one hell of a libero with the way she has been throwing her diminutive body to keep possessions alive for defending champions De La Salle University.

In the Lady Spikers’ Final Four matchup against University of Santo Tomas, Macandili was everywhere once more as she recorded 20 excellent digs and nine excellent receptions.

Macandili’s performance as a libero won’t appear in the box score but it sure did help the defending champions fend off UST, 25-14, 25-20, 24-16, 25-13, and advance to their ninth straight finals.

“I get my strength from my teammates, they really are my inspiration to play my best, this is really for them,” said Macandili Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

La Salle lost a bulk of its core before the start of Season 79 with Ara Galang, Mika Reyes, and Cyd Demecillo all leaving the team due to graduation and replacing the trio were a bunch of youngsters who have yet to play in their third year in the UAAP.

Macandili said she wants to also serve as an inspiration for the younger players in the roster.

“That’s my responsibility as a senior, I need to be their role model especially for the younger kids,” said Macandili, who has eight teammates in their second year or younger. “The team is mostly composed of younger players, so as a senior I have to be an example for them.”