Alas Pilipinas co-captain Dawn Catindig was full of praise for young standout Shaina Nitura of Adamson University, who has been training with the national team in preparation for possible inclusion in upcoming tournaments in Vietnam.
Alas is set to compete in the 2025 AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup from June 7 to 14 in Hanoi, followed by the VTV Cup from June 28 to July 5 in Vinh Phuc.
“Grabe, nagulat ako kay Shaina [Nitura] nu’ng first time namin siyang makasama sa training,” Catindig said during the PVL Press Corps Awards Night held Wednesday at Novotel Manila.
“Sabi ko, ang lakas ng palo niya tapos ang taas tumalon. Buti na lang hindi ko na ‘to naabutan sa UAAP kundi mahihirapan talaga ako,” she added, half-joking.
Catindig described the current composition of the national team as “very promising,” with team chemistry improving over time.
“Very promising ‘yung team ngayon and very happy kami kasi marami na ‘yung nagko-compose sa team namin. Very exciting lagi kasi ang daming mga bagong additions and parang nabi-build nang nabi-build ‘yung chemistry namin,” she shared.
The De La Salle University alum also expressed joy over the increasing number of Lady Spikers contributing to the national squad. Among those training with the team are Angel Canino, Thea Gagate, Leila Cruz, Justine Jazareno, Mars Alba, Julia Coronel, and Fifi Sharma.
“Siyempre, na-happy ako kasi alam ko ‘yung pinagdaanan din nila. Lahat ng natutunan ko from La Salle, nabaon ko siya wherever I go,” said Catindig.
She credited coach Ramil de Jesus for shaping top-tier athletes.
“For them na nasa national team na rin, it just proves ‘yung sistema ni Coach Ramil na talagang produces great players,” she said.