F2 Logistics libero Dawn Macandili relished the opportunity to get back on the court after skipping the Cargo Movers' first two games in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference.
Seeing her team absorb back-to-back losses on the sidelines, Macandili in her return brought stability to the floor defense of F2 Logistics missing in their previous outings.
With the multi-awarded libero back, the Cargo Movers grabbed their first win at the expense of winless United Auctioneers-Army, 25-17, 25-21, 25-16, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City on Tuesday.
"Masaya, siyempre, finally na-release na ako to play again and to be with my teammates," Macandili, who was out for two games to rest an undisclosed injury, said.
"Sobrang masaya, sobrang taas ng adrenaline ko. Nire-remind ko lang ang sarili ko din na kalmahan lang kasi makaka-affect siya sa laro," she added.
Macandili in her debut in the import-laden conference tallied 13 excellent digs and her passing gave F2 Logistics good looks to attack.
During her absence, the Cargo Movers had to scramble to find players to fill the position as backup libero CJ Saga-Woo was also unavailable in the first two games.
Head coach Benson Bocboc was forced to convert middle Aby Marano and winger Ara Galang to libero spots in F2 Logistics' loss to Chery Tiggo. Dzi Gervacio also wore the libero kit in the Cargo Movers sorry four set defeat at the hands of Choco Mucho.
Macandili lauded her teammates for covering up for her despite their losses.
"Siyempre thankful ako sa teammates ko, kasi medyo no choice din sila na mag-step up," she said. "I believe na sobrang nagampanan naman nila 'yung role ko."
With a 1-2 win-loss record, F2 Logistics is in a tight spot to collect as many wins as it can to advance to semifinals.
Macandili knows that from here on, they need to treat each game as a must-win.
"'Yung mindset namin ngayon, since galing kami sa talo is to focus din, one game at a time. Para at least, 'di ba, 'yung adjustments namin going towards the goal, parang paunti-unti, hindi pwedeng biglain," Macandili said.
