Dawn Macandili-Catindig embraces the challenge of stepping out of her comfort zone to spread her wings with new team Cignal.
The multi-awarded libero signed a deal with the HD Spikers in a huge recruitment coup ahead of the 2024 Premier Volleyball League season set to open in February.
Her transfer came at the heels of the shocking disbandment of her long-time club F2 Logistics just last week.
Cignal officially announced the acquisition of the veteran defensive specialist Friday through the club’s official Facebook page.
“Cignal is very competitive, that’s why I’m very excited to join the team, and hopefully, I can bring something extra to the table that will push the team further,” the 27-year-old defense specialist said.
Macandili-Catindig is one of the country’s most talented liberos and has seen action for the national team in various international tournament.
However, the former Most Valuable Player of the defunct Philippine Superliga had only played with the Cargo Movers in the club ranks along with her De La Salle University teammates.
“As for challenges, for the first time, I wasn’t afraid to go out of my comfort zone. Rather, I was excited to see how I’ll grow outside the nest,” she said.
“Maybe I’ll soar higher,” she quipped.
Macandili-Catindig is the first player from F2 Logistics, which announced its withdrawal from the league last 13 December to focus on its support at the grassroots level, to transfer. Her other former teammates are expected to join other clubs in the coming weeks.
The pride of Batangas is a great addition to the Shaq delos Santos squad, bringing in her vast experience and championship pedigree.
“Any team or coach will gladly welcome a player of Dawn’s caliber,” Delos Santos said.
“We want to build on the podium finishes that we have lately. We believe Dawn is one kind of player who will help us reach our goal for this team,” Delos Santos, who has coached Macandili-Catindig in several national team stints, said.
Her arrival will further solidify the 2nd PVL All-Filipino Conference bronze medalists’ floor defense as she joins hands with other grizzled liberos in Bia General and Jheck Dionela, who saw limited minutes in the season-ending conference while recuperating from an injury.
The three-time University Athletic Association of the Philippines champion averaged 3.88 digs per set and helped F2 Logistics top the 2nd AFC in team reception efficiency at 39.85 percent.
Cignal needs the talent of Macandili-Catindig, who played a big role in the Cargo Movers’ four PSL titles and a third place finish in the PVL’s 1st AFC early this year, as it finished 10th in team digs with 12.22 per set.
The HD Spikers also tallied a low 30.19 percent reception efficiency during the season-ending conference, making their decision to tap Macandili-Catindig a perfect move.
