PVL: Embracing her role, Vanie Gandler shines for Cignal

MANILA, Philippines — Vanie Gandler made the most of her playing time, putting on the finishing touches in the third set to help Cignal sweep Farm Fresh and boost its semifinal chances in Pool B of the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference.

Gandler, who only saw action in the first and third sets, scored most of her eight points in the final frame as the HD Spikers forced a triple tie at 3-1 with F2 Logistics and Petro Gazz.

The former Ateneo spiker was eager to help her pro team as a tight race looms for the two semis spots in Pool B with Choco Mucho also in contention with a 2-1 record.

“Of course, [my mindset was] to get every win because every game in this conference is very crucial so I really just wanted to do my role so I could help the team,” said Gandler, who has been providing the spark from Cignal’s bench.

The 22-year-old Gandler relished her opportunity to learn new things from seasoned coach Shaq Delos Santos on her first pro stint after playing for the Ateneo Blue Eagles for four UAAP seasons.

“It’s been good. Coach Shaq is very patient with me and he really teaches me. New system, new perspective in everything and I’m really happy to be learning from him,” she said.

“It feels great. I’m really happy to be here, I’m really happy I chose Cignal, and the fight’s not over so the work continues.”

Delos Santos believes the best is yet to come for the PVL rookie as he praised her determination and willingness to learn from Cignal’s program.

“With the quality of her performance, it’s not hard to tell her the things she needs to improve on since I’ve seen what she’s capable of in the UAAP,” the Cignal coach said in Filipino. “We’re thankful she chose Cignal. I’m sure her performance will be even better in the coming games or next conference because he’s very easy to teach and very willing to learn.”

Aside from his coach, who wants her to be more mature in the pros, Gandler is also eager to learn every aspect of the game from the veteran HD Spikers Rachel Anne Daquis, Ces Molina, and Jovelyn Gonzaga.

“Of course, [I need to improve] every aspect of the game. I’m still new to this league so I’m really learning more with my more experienced ates,” she said. “Blocking is number one but then coach Shaq really teaches me. He’s patient with me.”

Gandler is excited to play her next game as she battles her former Ateneo teammates Deanna Wong, Kat Tolentino, Maddie Madayag, and Bea De Leon when Cignal and Choco Mucho clash in a pivotal match on Tuesday.

“Super excited [since] it’s a big game. These are the games that everyone would love to be a part of, quality volleyball. We’ll be playing this level of volleyball,” she said.

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