Most Improved Player: Dawn Macandili

When enthusiasts watch volleyball, they usually anticipate the quick sets and ensuing strong spikes that generate points for their favorite teams. However, without a good first touch, the team will not be able to make any of those power plays that bring the crowd to their feet. Although not as exciting as spiking or blocking, digging and receiving are two of the most basic and important skills in volleyball.

In the UAAP Season 78 Women’s Volleyball Tournament, the DLSU Lady Spikers’ first libero Dawn Macandili bagged two special awards, the Best Digger and the Best Receiver, which were formerly awarded to FEU’s Tin Agno and ADMU’s Denden Lazaro, respectively, in Season 77.

Prior to this, Macandili had made a name for herself in the Girl’s division of the UAAP Volleyball Finals in Season 75. In her last year as a Junior Lady Spiker, Macandili was awarded as the tournament’s Best Libero after La Salle-Zobel won their third straight championship against the NU Lady Bulldogs.

As a Zobel-bred libero, Macandili had been equipped with the digging and receiving skills that she needed for her to play a crucial part in her team’s floor defense. Macandili was then recruited to play at the collegiate level the following year, this time to assume the role as the Lady Spikers’ libero together with Cienne Cruz, filling in the large hole left by former Lady Spiker Melissa Gohing.

With her and Cruz taking turns in providing the team’s defense, it is not surprising how Macandili has remained away from everyone’s radar during her first two playing years. It was only after Cruz left that Macandili was able to show the Lasallian community what she was made of. As La Salle’s main libero, she needed to step up and, as thousands of fans witnessed this season, she did.

In Season 78, Macandili showed excellent first touches and, if needed, her underhand sets. Her digs and receives proved to be vital for the tournament, especially in the latter part, during which her team faced offensively potent teams, as these touches aided DLSU in their journey to reclaim their coveted championship title. One of the highlights that circulated around the web was a GIF highlighting her kick that kept the play alive for the Lady Spikers, a snippet of the grit and hustle she always displayed on the court.

With two special awards as proof of her skills and how far she has come, One can expect great things from Macandili and the rest of the Lady Spikers in the next two years.

Honorable mentions: Majoy Baron (Women’s Volleyball), Greggy Yang (Men’s Football)