MANILA, Philippines – The Cignal HD Spikers were in hot water by the middle of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational. What could have been a confident campaign had been ruined by a four-game slide. The once-reliable team became fragile with each loss, and their chances of making the playoffs dwindled with each game. The air around the team carried tension, uncertainty, and the creeping fear of missing out on the podium.

Then came a watershed: Dawn Catindig and Vanie Gandler’s return from Alas Pilipinas’ national team duty. In addition to bodies on the floor, their return gave Cignal a boost of leadership, maturity, and competitive ferocity that he had badly needed.

Being the first to return, Catindig had an instant impact. In her first game back, the libero recorded 18 outstanding digs and 15 outstanding receptions, bringing discipline to the HD Spikers’ floor defense. The commotion that had marred the team’s previous excursions subsided while she was there. It was the poise in her manner that was more significant than the figures. Her poise was admired by teammates, and all of a sudden, the defense found its backbone again, the team’s transitions became fluid, and the receiving lines stabilized.

Gandler promptly did the same. She suited up and scored six important points despite having just returned from national duty the previous evening. Although those figures might not seem like much, her timing was crucial to her influence. She seemed to land each spike just when Cignal needed to regain momentum. She carried the energy of a natural spark plug off the bench. She had the kind of passion that quietly changed the atmosphere of the entire team, even during warmups and huddles.

The two veterans worked together to provide Cignal with stability during the storm. They defeated ZUS Coffee in four sets (22–25, 25–19, 25–18, 25–19) while they were there. That victory did more than simply stop a slump; it reaffirmed Cignal’s reputation as a tough and disciplined competitor.

Shaq Delos Santos, the head coach, was quick to point out their impact. For him, restoring confidence was more important than merely filling in statistical holes. He emphasized how Catindig’s consistency and Gandler’s leadership by example restored balance, reminding everyone what it means to play within the Cignal system. The crew was now executing instead of scurrying after these two returned.

The psychological impact of Catindig’s homecoming was equally significant. Even seasoned teams might falter due to losing streaks, which cause hesitancy and self-doubt. She acknowledged that it was difficult to let go of the pressure, but she gave credit to her coach’s counsel to “just do what you do.” With such an attitude, she led with her characteristic steadiness rather than by coercion. Her comrades were comforted by each good dig and spotless reception, and they could once more rely on the system.

Gandler, meanwhile, emphasized leadership via deeds rather than words. More significantly, her presence struck a chord with her younger colleagues, even though her six points came at the perfect moment. They witnessed her play through exhaustion, give her all during practices, and support others at every opportunity. All players on the roster were inspired by that example, especially up-and-coming players like Ishie Lalongisip, who emulated her intensity and vigor.

Their return has two bigger implications. It first emphasizes the great worth of seasoned players who may provide a team’s stability during trying times. It is vital to have leaders who can slow down the game and offer stability in a league where momentum fluctuates greatly. Second, it emphasizes how difficult it is for players to juggle their national duty and club obligations. 

Although Catindig and Gandler’s ability to switch between positions with ease demonstrates their resilience, it also begs the question of how long-term sustainability is possible for athletes who bear such a tremendous workload.

But for the time being, Cignal is back in the running thanks to their comeback. With only a handful of matches left, the HD Spikers are still outsiders in the finals race, but momentum is on their side. In the worst-case scenario, they are ready to end the competition with honor and a fresh sense of self. They could, at most, surprise the field and claw their way into contention.

Takeaway

Character was more important to Cignal’s comeback than tactical changes. Gandler’s leadership and Catindig’s composure demonstrated how a team’s entire energy can be changed by the presence of an experienced player. Their comeback confirmed an old volleyball axiom: poise and example are frequently more potent than points when the stakes are high.