Nonetheless the ultimate of the PVL Invitational Convention seems, it’s clear that Cignal is getting into a brand new period—one the place the HD Spikers will recurrently be within the championship dialog.
And on the center of that rise is Daybreak Macandili-Catindig, the ever-hustling libero whose capacity to learn opponents’ assaults is matched solely by her capacity to cowl the ground.
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Macandili-Catindig’s presence was felt throughout Cignal’s 25-23, 19-25, 25-23, 22-25, 15-11 victory on late Wednesday night that knocked the crown off Kurashiki Ablaze’s head at PhilSports Area, a lot in order that her efforts didn’t escape the eyes of MJ Perez, who had a PVL career-high 36 factors and 21 wonderful digs.
“After all, we wish to win. We’re so completely satisfied to get this win particularly now that we’ve Daybreak now. She brings large contributions to the workforce,” mentioned Perez.
Cignal was battling Creamline for the crown at press time.
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For Macandili-Catindig, it wasn’t tough to summon motivation within the match towards the Japanese visitor membership.
In any case, she had missed all of Cignal’s matches within the Strengthened Convention to satisfy her nationwide workforce duties as skipper of Alas Pilipinas. And when she noticed the prospect to contribute to her membership workforce, she seized it.
“My aggressiveness is coming from simply watching from the skin and never with the ability to play and contribute,” the protection ace mentioned after taking part in simply her third recreation since being launched from nationwide workforce duties.
“I simply centered on staying composed,” mentioned Macandili-Catindig. “I wanted to contribute to the workforce.”
“Contribute” could also be an understatement.
Chasing kills and diving all around the flooring, Macandili-Catindig had 27 wonderful digs that went nicely with Cignal’s masterful blocking. The HD Spikers’ resolute protection held them collectively within the essential moments, particularly after they trailed within the fifth set.
That protection additionally helped arrange Perez, the Venezuelan import whose energy fueled Cignal within the decider.
Perez delivered three essential factors within the decider, together with a misleading drop thad pushed the HD Spikers to a 12-10 lead.
Discovering holes
Kurashiki turned to its personal protection to blunt the Cignal assault, however Perez continued to seek out holes because the HD Spikers widened the hole to 3. Yukino Yano breathed life into the Kurashiki bid as she clipped the baseline however Perez arrange match level with one other kill.
Yano’s kill try sailed lengthy, sealing the Japan membership’s doom and placing Cignal able to assert a maiden crown.
The HD Spikers have solely been on this place as soon as again in 2022 after they claimed their highest honor—a silver medal after falling towards Petro Gazz within the Strengthened Convention.
Round that bridesmaid end are 5 bronze medals with the newest one coming from the just lately concluded Strengthened, the place Creamline added a ninth gold to its assortment.
However in ousting the Japanese squad from its Invitational throne, Cignal made it clear that this gained’t be the final time will probably be competing for a title.