PVL: Cignal snaps skid with key cogs back
Cignal libero Dawn Catindig during a game against ZUS in the PVL Invitational.–PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Buoyed by their international experience with Alas Pilipinas, Dawn Macandili-Catindig and Vanie Gandler were thrilled to bring back the winning ways of Cignal in the PVL Invitational.
Cignal finally got a complete line-up as Catindig and Gandler helped the team snap a four-game skid with a 22-25, 25-19, 25-18, 25-19 victory over ZUS Coffee on Monday night at Philsports Arena.
READ: PVL: Cignal stays in hunt for bronze, beats ZUS Coffee
Catindig, who returned since Saturday, protected the floor with 18 digs and 15 excellent receptions to help Cignal improve to a 1-3 record and keep its chance for playing the bronze medal game.
“I’m really happy to be back with Cignal. Vanie and I are just doing our best to give what we can to the team,” the veteran libero said in Filipino. “I’m proud of how we played today. You could really see that everyone wanted to bounce back and rebuild the trust within the team.”
Gandler, who was with Catindig in Alas’ runner-up finish in the AVC Nations Cup and a pair of SEA V-League bronze medals, still provided a steady presence even as a substitute with six points off the bench.
Cignal’s Vanie Gandler during a game against ZUS in the PVL Invitational.–PVL PHOTO
“Today, it was really more about adjusting because I didn’t get to train with the team yet. I’m happy that I was able to play a bit and the team was still able to perform well so I don’t have that much pressure because they do their job well,” said Gandler.
“In the coming days, of course, it’s an adjustment period for me with the connection with the setters, most especially.”
Gandler is eager to share her experience from Alas after playing in all three tournaments including the VTV International Cup, where they finished fourth.
READ: PVL on Tour semis berth a ‘big achievement’ for Cignal
“The whole experience of playing in that level, I want to bring here what I learned. Hopefully, my maturity, since I have more exposure now, I can bring that to the team and also teach them the little things I learned and the aggressiveness of being in the national team,” said Gandler, who has been playing for the national team since last year.
Catindig relished the opportunity to play with the newcomers led by On Tour MVP Erika Santos, Erin Pangilinan, Tin Tiamzon, Heather Guino-o, Jessa Ordiales and Ethan Arce.
“I’m really looking forward to the potential of this team. All of our players have so much to offer. They just need to believe in themselves and see that they can really level up,” Catindig said.
“Coming back was tough. Coming off a four-game losing streak, it’s hard as an athlete to regain confidence. But Coach just told me, ‘Do what you do. And let the others follow your lead,’” she added. “We have to show the younger ones that no matter the situation, you should always play your game with consistency. You can’t just pick when to perform. You need to be steady regardless of what you’re facing.”
Gandler also seeks to build a stronger connection with their new teammates, facing Japan’s Kobe Shinwa University on Thursday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“Like what ate Dawn said, my mindset isn’t to change them but make sure that I do what I have to do, not just in games, in practice, outside of practice, so that they see that we’re doing our jobs and this is what will help,” Gandler said.
