It really is a new dawn for the HD Spikers.
When the HD Spikers found themselves in a tough stand versus the young guns of College of Saint Benilde on Friday, Cignal head coach Shaq Delos Santos knew Dawn Macandili-Catindig would steady the ship with her newfound resolve to lead.
The veteran libero served as a stabilizing force on defense, allowing Cignal's attackers to find their scoring groove and recover from a two-set deficit for the comeback.
[READ MORE: Cignal dethrones CSB, books ticket to PNVF Champions League Finals]
As the HD Spikers sealed a ticket for the PNVF Champions League Finals, Delos Santos lauded Catindig for her impact.
"Dawn, thank you. Siyempre championship ‘yung unang liga na makukuha natin," the decorated tactician gushed after the match.
"Alam mo ‘yung feeling na magaan na tipong alam mong ‘pag nandun si Dawn sa likod, alam mong safe ka. Hindi naman komportable pero alam mong may mag-aangat ng bola para sa’yo."
While Catindig's defensive brilliance easily translated to Cignal's system, the former F2 Logistics Cargo Movers stalwart admitted she is still figuring out how to motivate her new teammates in pressure-laden situations.
"Kasi bago ako sa team, so 'di ko alam kung paano mababalik 'yung good energy sa team. So tina-try ko din maging leader na kausapin 'yung team na kilalanin sila kung paano makakabalik," Catindig shared.
"Okay naman, naging okay na nabalik namin 'yung good energy sa side namin, and eventually nakuha namin 'yung momentum."
[ALSO READ: How you like that? Jheck, Dawn ready to forge awesome PVL tandem after years as rivals]
The HD Spikers, who are riding a scorching 5-0 momentum, now shift their focus to the championship match in a bid to sweep the whole tournament.
But as they await the results of the Petro Gazz-Chery Tiggo match, Catindig is taking the time to reflect on their impressive ascent.
"Siyempre masaya kasi first league at nakaabot kami sa Finals. I think this is a good sign na we're going up," the former La Salle standout stated.