SCHEDULE: Alas Pilipinas at the AVC Challenge Cup 2024
Alas Pilipinas libero Dawn Macandili-Catindig during an AVC Challenge CUp 2024 game. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Every batch of the Philippine women’s volleyball team she played for was special for Dawn Macandili-Catindig, but this young Alas Pilipinas squad is showing a bright future after making a historic semifinals entry to the AVC Challenge Cup.
The veteran national team libero is honored to lead these youngsters, bannered by Eya Laure, Angel Canino, and to become the first Philippine squad to reach the semifinals in any AVC competition in 63 years.
“Every batch is special. But this team made me feel so good playing volleyball because of our young teammates, who are so mature and make our job easier,” said Catindig after their 25-13, 25-21, 25-18 win over the winless Chinese Taipei on Sunday evening at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
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Despite the short preparation, the Philippines clinched the top seed in Pool A with a clean 4-0 slate to set a knockout semis duel against Kazakhstan on Tuesday.
“It’s surreal [to make history] because this has been our goal since joining the national team back in 2017. And I’m so happy because we’re moving closer to achieving our ultimate dream,” said Catindig, who is one of the two holdovers with setter Jia De Guzman in the 2018 Asian Games team.
The Cignal libero added this historic experience would be a great build-up for the program for future international tournaments, especially next year’s Southeast Asian Games where the country hopes to end a 20-year medal drought.
“This is also a preparation, it’s something that would [inspire] the future generations,” she said.
Catindig, who is protecting the country’s floor with Jen Nierva, braces for another tall team in Kazakhstan.
“Every game was a gaining experience for the team and we have to instill in our minds that we have to be confident that we can beat our opponents,” she said.