Dawn Catindig and Alas Pilipinas have edged closer to the coveted continental title of the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup, after their historic entry into the semifinals.
Alas Pilipinas have set a new milestone after securing a spot in the semifinals of the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup.
This historical feat marks the first time in 63 years that the Philippines reached the playoffs in an Asian Volleyball Confederation-sanctioned tournament.
For Dawn Catindig, a steadfast pillar of the national team since 2017, the journey to this point has been nothing short of "surreal."
“Sobrang surreal na since joining the national team back in 2017, ito naman talaga 'yung goal and sobrang masaya ako na ngayon nandito na kami and malapit na malapit na ma-achieve 'yung pinapangarap namin,” the seasoned libero shared.
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Alas Pilipinas have turned heads in the preliminaries, securing one resounding victory after another over formidable opponents in Australia, India, Iran, and Chinese Taipei.
Catindig, who has been a part of some of the best assemblages of national representatives in the past, attributed their recent success to the current batch of aces.
“Sobrang special every batch, pero ito ang pinaka feeling ko sobrang sarap maglaro ng volleyball kasi natutuwa ako sa mga bata kasi sobrang matured nila maglaro and sobrang napapadali ang trabaho namin,” she said.
The Philippines is already assured a top-four finish in the tournament, but Catindig and the rest of Alas Pilipinas are not looking to settle for less.
Having already faced off against Australia and India in the group phase, the Filipinas intend to leverage their experience against taller opponents as they prepare to confront the towering Kazakhstan in the semifinals on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.
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“Siguro sa lahat ng nakalaban na namin, it's gaining experience for the team and syempre 'yung confidence sa bawat isa na ma-instill na kaya namin 'yung mga kalaban namin,” she stated.
Regardless of the result, Catindig also believes that this historic run will serve as inspiration for the future of Philippine volleyball.
“'Yun nga, sobrang happy kaming lahat na part kami ng history na ito and siyempre this is also a preparation na it's something that would [inspire] the future generations,” she said.