MANILA, Philippines – The 2024 AVC Challenge Cup performance of the Alas Pilipinas Women will live on in Philippine volleyball history forever. This campaign is very exceptional, particularly for Dawn Catindig, who has been a mainstay of the national team since 2017.

This squad has a particular place in the heart of 27-year-old defense specialist Catindig, who has dedicated years of her life to supporting her nation. She displays pride while talking about the current squad, which is understandable given the effort and commitment she and her colleagues have put into their trip.

Catindig has been pleased by the squad’s zeal and intellect. The team is made up of premier players from the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) and the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP). The degree of interest in the sport has increased due to their combined enthusiasm and expertise.

In addition to striving for success, the Alas Pilipinas Women hope to inspire the next wave of volleyball players as they carry on with their incredible run in the AVC Challenge Cup. Their influence on volleyball in the Philippines will be felt for many years to come, and their legacy is already secure. This team’s journey has raised the bar for greatness in the sport and is a monument to the strength of tenacity, camaraderie, and patriotism.

Unfortunately, the Philippines has performed better than expected in the AVC Challenge Cup. A position in the knockout quarter finals was secured, opponents were stunned, and they completed an impeccable run through the pool stages. The Philippines has advanced to the semifinals of an Asian Volleyball Confederation competition for the first time in 63 years with this accomplishment.

The national team’s most impressive finish in the top four in recent memory is a result of their devotion and labor. The team has handled this historic journey with tenacity and competence, led by inspiring Catindig and team captain Jia De Guzman. It has been a sad experience for Catindig to think back on the team’s earlier heartaches and losses.

Catindig summed up the feelings of the team and its fans when she said, “Yes, it is a pleasure for all of us to be a part of this history, and maybe this serves as a lesson for future generations as well.”

With the passion of an entire country behind them and the aspirations of innumerable supporters, the Alas Pilipinas Women onto the field for the AVC Challenge Cup. Their path has been characterized by tenacity and an unwavering attitude, providing future volleyball players with an encouraging model.

The significance of this team goes beyond the numbers and points. Their triumph in the tournament inspired future athletes and demonstrated that unity and hard effort can lead to great accomplishments, leaving an enduring impression on the sport. The legacy of the Alas Pilipinas Women is already established, regardless of whether they become champions or not.

The country is excited about what lies ahead and pleased of the progress they have achieved as they continue their quest in the AVC Challenge Cup. This team has demonstrated that history can be changed and a new bar for greatness can be set when heart and effort are put into it.

Getting to know the ace that is Dawn Catindig

Catindig was honored as the 2016 Philippine SuperLiga All-Filipino Conference’s Most Valuable Player, becoming the nation’s first libero to do so.

She competed at the 2017 Asian Women’s Volleyball Championship as a member of the Philippine National Women’s Volleyball Team, where she was named the second-best libero.

She also competed at the 29th Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, taking Dennise Lazaro’s place due to injury.

Macandili won the 2017 PSL Grand Prix Conference title with F2 Logistics Cargo Movers[6] and took home the Best Libero trophy.

During UAAP Season 80, Macandili won the finals MVP award, leading the team to its third straight championship. She signed up with the Cignal HD Spikers in 2023.