The 2024 AVC Challenge Cup has seen the Alas Pilipinas Women etch an indelible mark in the annals of Philippine volleyball.
For Dawn Catindig, a stalwart of the national team since 2017, this campaign stands out as something truly special.
The 27-year-old defensive specialist, who has dedicated years to representing her country, beams with pride as she speaks about this current squad.
Composed of stars from the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) and the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), the team has showcased a blend of passion and maturity that has captured Catindig’s heart.
“Sobrang special every batch,” Catindig shared. “Pero ito ang pinaka feeling ko sobrang sarap maglaro ng volleyball. Kasi natutuwa ako sa mga bata eh, kasi sobrang matured nila maglaro and sobrang napapadali ang trabaho namin."
Alas Pilipinas has indeed defied expectations in the AVC Challenge Cup. Their impressive run included a clean sweep of Pool A, stunning opponents and earning a spot in the knockout semifinals. This achievement marks the first time in 63 years that the Philippines has reached the semifinals of any Asian Volleyball Confederation tournament.
Their top-four finish in the tournament is the national team’s highest in recent memory, a testament to their hard work and dedication. Catindig, alongside team captain Jia De Guzman, has been instrumental in leading the squad through this historic journey. For Catindig, it’s been a surreal experience, reflecting on the team’s past heartbreaks and failures.
“Sobrang surreal na since joining the national team back in 2017, ito naman talaga 'yung goal,” said the Cignal HD Spiker after the team’s victory over Chinese Taipei. ““Sobrang masaya ako na ngayon nandito na kami and malapit na malapit na ma-achieve 'yung pinapangarap namin."
Despite the elation, Catindig knows the mission isn’t complete. The team is set to face Kazakhstan on Tuesday at 7:00 PM, with hopes of securing a spot in the finale.
“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,” Catindig emphasized.
As the Alas Pilipinas Women continue their journey in the AVC Challenge Cup, they do so with the pride of a nation behind them and the hopes of paving the way for future volleyball stars.
Whatever the outcome, this team has already left an indelible legacy.
