Cignal HD Spikers’ Vanie Gandler.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.web
MANILA, Philippines — After a formidable rookie yr, Vanie Gandler is hungry for extra enchancment in her recreation as she hopes to assist Cignal attain the highest within the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) season.
When the HD Spikers missed captain Rachel Anne Daquis within the second All-Filipino Convention, Gandler stepped up large time and have become a revelation for Cignal after rising as their No. 2 scorer behind Ces Molina and prime eight within the league with 142 factors constructed on 126 assaults — No.6 finest attacker with 34.24 % effectivity — 9 blocks, and 7 aces.
Cignal could have fallen in need of reaching the finals after dropping to the Sisi Rondina-led Choco Mucho within the do-or-die Sport 3 of the semifinals however Gandler helped her squad earn their second bronze final season and seventh general third-place end — essentially the most within the league.
“It was enjoyable and it was my first time taking part in within the skilled league however there’s in fact nonetheless a lot to study. Like I mentioned in certainly one of my interviews earlier than, I’m almost midway by way of what I can study,” she informed the reporters after Monday’s apply at Gameville in Mandaluyong. “And naturally, how I can develop that’s by training and studying.”
The 23-year-old outdoors spiker mentioned she is studying quite a bit from her new teammates, particularly from their latest libero Daybreak Macandili-Catindig.
“When new gamers are available in, there’s additionally new issues to study so I’m so pleased and excited to be taking part in beside Ate Daybreak Macandili. Everybody is aware of how nice she is and I’m nonetheless a bit starstruck proper now. That is my first apply along with her, however I’m so excited,” Gandler mentioned.
As all the groups beefed up their respective rosters and two new groups Capital1 and Sturdy Group Athletics entered the league, Gandler believes the competitors will push them to take their recreation to the subsequent degree.
“There have been plenty of actions, new groups, however I see it extra as one thing thrilling. I feel that is going to degree up volleyball within the Philippines. You recognize, since higher groups are forming, higher gamers are coming in. It’s motivation for each time additionally that ‘Oh, what can we do? What extra can we do to enhance?’ So, it’s a problem however for me, it’s an thrilling one,” she mentioned.
The previous Ateneo captain remained desirous to seize the gold this time because the final time Cignal performed within the Finals was within the 2022 Strengthened Convention, which was dominated by Petro Gazz.
“We nonetheless haven’t gotten the primary aim, which is the championship. So, in fact, our eyes are nonetheless on the prize and that’s successful the gold and we’re actually simply going to maintain constructing on from there,” Gandler mentioned.