No surprise as Dawn Catindig helps Cignal reach title game

Cignal HD Spikers in the PNVF Champions League.

MANILA, Philippines — Cignal coach Shaq Delos Santos knew Dawn Macandili-Catindig would bring great things to the HD Spikers as they reached the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Champions League final.

In her first tournament with the HD Spikers, the veteran libero helped the team make its first championship game in two years since the 2022 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference.

Delos Santos was hardly surprised by the great impact that Catindig has been bringing to the HD Spikers since she signed last December after F2 Logistics’ disbandment.

“Knowing Dawn, I’ve been studying her moves back when she was still on the opposing team. What more now when we’re on the same team?” said Delos Santos in Filipino. “You just feel at ease knowing Dawn will be there to save the ball and it makes you feel safe. Not comfortable but you just know she will be there for you.”

Delos Santos, who handled the decorated defensive specialist in the Philippine women’s volleyball team during his time as head coach from 2018 to 2019, credited their impressive showing to Catindig’s steady floor defense that helped the HD Spikers stay unbeaten in five games.

The former La Salle star took care of the floor as Cignal rallied and dethroned College of St. Benilde, 23-25, 22-25, 25-22, 25-22, 15-10, fulfilling her promise to help the team reach the championship game on Saturday.

“I went to Cignal because I know they’re an all-around team and I want to help them,” Catindig said in Filipino. “I’m happy because this is my first tournament with them and we were able to reach the Finals right away. I think this is a good sign that we’re getting better.”

“I’m new to the team so I’m trying to bring back the good energy and also try to be a leader by talking to them and see how we’re going to make it back into the game. We regained the good energy and eventually the momentum,” she added.

Although Catindig has already made an immediate impact on Cignal, Delos Santos stressed that the HD Spikers still have a lot to work on ahead of the PNVF championship game and in the 2024 PVL season starting on February 20.

“We still have a lot to improve on and we’re going to work and train hard to get to where we want to be. But the good thing is we’ve shown progress slowly but surely,” Delos Santos said.