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Category: Volleyball

  • Erika Santos embraces fresh start with Capital1 after emotional Cignal exit 

    Erika Santos embraces fresh start with Capital1 after emotional Cignal exit 

    For a while, Erika Santos thought she had finally found where she belonged.

     

    After years of searching for stability and growth in the Premier Volleyball League, Santos’ move to Cignal last year felt like the perfect fit. It was with the HD Spikers where she evolved from a promising scorer into one of the league’s fastest-rising stars — a player trusted in the biggest moments and eventually recognized as one of the faces of the franchise.

     

    Then suddenly, it ended. Just days removed from helping Cignal reach the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference Finals, Santos found herself needing to process a reality she never really expected: the team that helped shape her breakout was stepping away from the league.

     

    Now, she begins all over again. This time with Capital1 Solar Spikers.

     

    “Honestly, it wasn’t an easy decision because I really had to process everything that happened,” Santos said.

     

    “It wasn’t a small decision because I had already become attached to my teammates and to the system we had, so starting a new journey again is definitely challenging. But we’re here with Capital1.”

     

    The timing of Cignal’s leave of absence made the transition even more emotional.

     

    Santos had just completed the best stretch of her professional career, emerging as the league’s first-ever PVL On Tour MVP while establishing herself as one of the top opposite hitters in the country. Alongside Vanie Gandler, she helped power Cignal to its breakthrough All-Filipino Finals appearance and became one of the league’s most dangerous offensive weapons.

     

    Instead of building on that momentum with the same team, Santos suddenly had to start from scratch once more.

     

    But if there is one thing making the adjustment easier, it is familiarity.

     

    Not only does she remain teammates with Gandler, she now joins forces with reigning rookie sensation Bella Belen and veteran setter Jaja Maraguinot in what could become one of the most intriguing rebuilds in the PVL.

     

    For Santos, however, the focus is not on headlines or expectations.

     

    It is about helping transform Capital1 from an emerging club into a legitimate contender.

     

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    “There are a lot of expectations and adjustments along the way. It won’t be easy, so we’ll really work hard. Vanie, Jaja (Maraguinot), and I will help Capital1 in any way we can so we can reach our goals and become a strong contender,” said Santos.

     

    “The experience and momentum we’re bringing into this new team are also a big factor. The awards are just bonuses. What’s more important is sharing the experience and lessons that Vanie and I gained with this team.”

     

    That shared experience may become Capital1’s biggest advantage.

     

    Gandler and Santos already understand each other’s tendencies on the floor after carrying much of Cignal’s offense throughout the previous conference. Their chemistry was built through pressure-packed matches, deep playoff runs, and the responsibility of leading a contender.

     

    Now, they hope to bring that same connection into a completely different environment.

     

    “I’m also thankful because Vanie is still here. During the past conferences, we really had each other’s backs and shared the responsibilities together,” she said.

     

    “That’s a huge thing because of the chemistry we already built inside and outside the court. We have open communication, and no matter what happens, I know we can always talk to each other properly.”

     

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  • Jaja Maraguinot eager to rebuild career after signing with Capital1 Solar Spikers 

    Jaja Maraguinot eager to rebuild career after signing with Capital1 Solar Spikers 

    The Capital1 Solar Spikers made one of the most aggressive roster overhauls in recent Premier Volleyball League history on Thursday, May 14, signaling a decisive shift in identity as the franchise moves from rebuilding project to legitimate title contender ahead of the upcoming season.

     

    After previously positioning themselves as a developing squad focused on growth and chemistry, Capital1’s latest moves suggest a dramatic change in direction. The organization has now assembled a significantly strengthened core headlined by the acquisitions of former Cignal HD Spikers standouts Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos, both of whom are expected to immediately elevate the team’s offensive firepower.

     

    The Solar Spikers further reinforced their lineup with veteran setter Jaja Santiago, a move that significantly strengthens their playmaking stability and leadership presence on the court. The addition of high-level experience across multiple positions underscores Capital1’s intent to compete right away with the PVL’s established powerhouses rather than gradually building toward contention.

     

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    Another key acquisition that flew under the radar amid the headline signings was former Nxled Chameleons playmaker Jaja Maraguinot, who officially joined the Solar Spikers after parting ways with Nxled earlier in January. While not expected to carry a starting role immediately, Maraguinot adds valuable depth and experience to a stacked roster already loaded with versatile attacking options.

    For Maraguinot, the move represents both a fresh start and an opportunity to revive her career in a competitive environment. She also expressed gratitude toward Capital1 co-owners Milka and Mandy Romero for the opportunity to return to top-level action.

     

    “It was not easy but I’m really thankful for everyone in Capital1, they gave me this opportunity. It’s a process. I have been away from the game for a while. So, it won’t be easy. But we are in the process of making it happen with me in the team. And, I’m very thankful that I was given with this right timing to do that. And, it’s not gonna be easy. But, I’m ready to face the challenges,” Maraguinot said in a media interaction.

     

    Beyond the emotional significance of her return, Maraguinot’s arrival also creates an intriguing reunion scenario within the squad. She will once again share the court with former Ateneo teammates Vanie Gandler, middle blocker Pauline Gaston, and libero Roma Mae Doromal, adding familiarity and chemistry to a rapidly evolving roster.

     

    However, competition for minutes is expected to be intense. Capital1’s wing positions are particularly crowded following the arrivals of Gandler and Santos, alongside emerging talent Bella Belen, which may see Maraguinot initially deployed in a backup or rotational role as she works her way back into peak form.

     

    “In our terms, I will just dish it out to whoever has the hot hands,” she concluded.

     

    With a retooled roster, strengthened depth across all positions, and a clear shift in competitive ambition, the Solar Spikers are now positioning themselves as one of the most intriguing teams to watch heading into the new PVL season — a squad no longer content with development alone, but one ready to challenge the league’s established hierarchy.

     

     

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  • PVL Draft Lottery set to shake up the league again in its third annual draw 

    PVL Draft Lottery set to shake up the league again in its third annual draw 

    The Premier Volleyball League’s draft lottery has quietly evolved into one of the most important dates of the offseason because it could reshape the future of struggling franchises in a matter of minutes.


    Set for May 25 ahead of the league’s Rookie Draft in June, the annual event once again places the spotlight on the teams at the bottom of the standings, all hoping fortune swings their way in a year expected to feature one of the deepest rookie pools yet.

     

    Unlike the NBA, where 14 non-playoff teams enter the lottery, the PVL keeps the field limited. Only the four teams with the lowest weighted records across all conferences from the previous season are eligible for the lottery draw, making every losing stretch from the past year carry long-term consequences.

     

    The team with the worst weighted record receives the biggest advantage with a 40-percent chance of securing the No. 1 overall pick. The next teams receive 30 percent, 20 percent, and 10 percent odds respectively. 

     

    Inside the lottery bowl, that translates to four balls for the lowest-ranked team, followed by three, two, and one. Picks No. 5 to No. 9 are already fixed based on weighted standings, leaving the lottery itself to determine only the top four selections.

     

    The system was introduced in 2024 when the PVL launched its rookie draft. It was designed to prevent automatic rewards for the league’s weakest teams while still giving them better chances to rebuild.

     

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    In the inaugural lottery, the process followed expectations almost perfectly. ZUS Coffee entered with the worst overall record and secured the No. 1 pick, while Capital1, Galeries Tower, and Farm Fresh followed in order.

     

    But the following year proved how quickly odds can collapse once the draw begins. Capital1 overcame only a 30-percent chance to leap to the top selection, while Nxled despite owning the highest probability and four balls in the draw — slid to No. 4 overall.

     

    That unpredictability is precisely why the event has become compelling for fans and front offices alike. The system rewards struggling teams without guaranteeing salvation, creating tension before a single rookie even steps onto a professional court.

     

    This year’s lottery may also carry added complications. Pending league confirmation, the formula for weighted rankings could still change depending on whether results from the PVL on Tour and Invitational tournaments are included in the computation. The exits of Cignal HD Spikers and Petro Gazz Angels could also affect how standings and probabilities are recalculated among the remaining nine squads.

     

    Beyond the lottery itself, much of the excitement comes from the names expected to headline the 2026 rookie class.

     

    Several collegiate standouts from the UAAP and NCAA have already expressed willingness to turn professional, giving teams even more reason to chase the top pick. 

     

    Among the most anticipated prospects are Detdet Pepito of the UST Golden Tigresses, veteran setter Lams Lamina from the NU Lady Bulldogs, and four-time UAAP Best Middle Blocker Nina Ytang of the UP Fighting Maroons.

     

    With elite collegiate stars preparing for the next step and rebuilding PVL teams desperate for franchise-changing talent, the draft lottery has become more than an offseason formality.

     

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  • Erika Santos weighs first-ever Alas Pilipinas Women stint amid rising PVL stock  

    Erika Santos weighs first-ever Alas Pilipinas Women stint amid rising PVL stock  

    Everything seems to be moving fast now for Erika Santos. Not too long ago, she was still trying to establish herself as a reliable scorer in the Premier Volleyball League.

     

    Now, she suddenly finds herself standing at the center of two major transitions at once — a new club team and a possible national team breakthrough.

     

    After emerging as one of the biggest revelations of the past PVL season, Santos has officially earned a place in the new Alas Pilipinas Women pool, signaling how quickly her stock has risen within Philippine volleyball circles.

     

    The invitation comes shortly after Santos delivered the best stretch of her young career.

     

    The former Cignal HD Spikers standout helped power the franchise to a runner-up finish in the 2026 All-Filipino Conference, while also building on the momentum she created after winning the 2025 PVL On Tour Most Valuable Player award.

     

    For many players, a national team invitation would immediately become an automatic yes.

    For Santos, however, the decision appears more complicated.

     

    “I’m honored to be part of the pool. It feels different when you’re representing the Philippines,” Santos said in an interview. 

     

    Still, despite appreciating the opportunity, the rising opposite spiker admitted she has not fully decided whether she is ready to commit to the program.

     

    “Right now, I’m 50/50,” she said.

     

    That hesitation reflects the current reality surrounding the national team setup.The Alas women’s program is entering another transition period following the departure — temporary or otherwise — of several key veterans from the recent Southeast Asian Games squad.

     

    Longtime team captain Jia De Guzman is among the major names who have stepped away, while several other established players also remain unavailable.

     

    With the program searching for fresh faces to help stabilize the next cycle, Santos suddenly becomes one of the emerging names capable of filling part of that vacuum. 

     

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    And in many ways, her timing could not be more symbolic, Santos is no longer simply viewed as a promising scorer.

     

    She is now being asked whether she is ready to become part of the next generation expected to carry the national team forward.

     

    At the same time, her professional career is also entering a brand-new chapter.

     

    Following Cignal HD Spikers’ leave of absence from the league, Santos recently transferred to the Capital1 Solar Spikers, where she will join fellow stars Vanie Gandler and Bella Belen in what is quickly becoming one of the league’s most intriguing new cores.

     

    “Leaving Cignal is emotional, but this is an exciting new beginning. I’m ready to help Capital1 reach its goals,” she shared.

     

    For Santos, the coming months may ultimately define the direction of her career.

    One path centers on adjusting to a new PVL environment and continuing her rise as one of the league’s breakout stars.

     

    The other could lead to her first opportunity wearing the Philippine colors on the international stage. 

     

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  • Tia Andaya exits Choco Mucho Flying Titans as overseas journey in PH ends early 

    Tia Andaya exits Choco Mucho Flying Titans as overseas journey in PH ends early 

    What was once viewed as a promising homecoming has now quietly come to an early end.

     

    Filipino-American setter Tia Joy Andaya has reportedly parted ways with the Choco Mucho Flying Titans after an abbreviated stay in the Premier Volleyball League, cutting short what many expected to be a longer chapter in Philippine volleyball.

     

    According to reports, Andaya has already returned to the United States after growing frustrated over her limited opportunities on the court during her lone conference with the Flying Titans.

    The 25-year-old playmaker reportedly requested her release from the team after spending most of the season watching from the sidelines rather than orchestrating the offense she had long been known for overseas.

     

    For Andaya, the move to the Philippines initially carried plenty of intrigue.

     

    Unlike many first-time imports entering the PVL, she arrived with a diverse volleyball background already built across multiple countries and competitive systems.

     

    The Filipino-American setter previously suited up for both Gonzaga University and Central Washington University during her collegiate career in the United States before eventually taking her game overseas professionally.

     

    Her arrival also generated interest because of her previous ties to the Alas Pilipinas Women program.

     

    At one point, Andaya was among the Filipino-American prospects being considered for the national team pool as Philippine volleyball explored expanding its talent base internationally.

     

    She had even looked into the possibility of changing her sporting allegiance to represent the Philippines before the process ultimately never materialized into a full commitment.

     

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    That background made her PVL entry feel less like a typical import signing and more like a player attempting to reconnect with her Filipino roots through volleyball.

     

    Instead, the stint quickly became a difficult adjustment.

     

    Reports indicated that Andaya had already been back in the United States for nearly a month, with fellow Filipino-American players even organizing a farewell gathering before her departure.

     

    The situation also reflects the increasingly competitive environment inside the PVL, where roster depth and established rotations can make it difficult even for experienced overseas players to carve out major roles immediately.

     

    For Choco Mucho, the exit marks another roster shift as the Flying Titans continue to reshape their lineup heading into the next conference.

     

    As for Andaya, her early departure leaves behind a brief what-could-have-been chapter — one that started with curiosity and potential, but ultimately never found rhythm on the court. 

     

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  • Alyssa Valdez emerges as steadying presence for depleted Alas Pilipinas ahead of AVC Women’s Cup 

    Alyssa Valdez emerges as steadying presence for depleted Alas Pilipinas ahead of AVC Women’s Cup 

    At a time when Alas Pilipinas is scrambling to rebuild its roster just weeks before the AVC Women’s Cup, one of the most familiar names in Philippine volleyball may once again be stepping forward.

     

    Alyssa Valdez — long regarded as the face of the national team through multiple generations — is reportedly willing to suit up again for the country as Alas prepares to open training camp on Monday for the June 6 to 14 tournament in Candon City, Ilocos Sur.

     

    “Very willing to support,” Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Tonyboy Liao said Sunday, referring to Valdez.

     

    And this time, the support could come from inside the court once more.

    Asked in what capacity the longtime Creamline star would help the national team, Liao answered directly: as a “player.”

     

    The possible return of Valdez arrives at a critical stretch for Alas Pilipinas, which has spent the past several weeks navigating uncertainty surrounding both its roster and coaching staff.

     

    Multiple key players from previous national team campaigns have already reportedly declined participation in the upcoming AVC Women’s Cup, including current team captain Jia de Guzman, former UAAP MVPs Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon, as well as injured Adamson standout Shaina Nitura.

     

    Meanwhile, the program also absorbed another major setback after head coach Tai Bundit suffered an ankle injury following a scooter accident in Bangkok, temporarily sidelining the decorated Thai mentor during a crucial buildup period.

     

    With the team still trying to finalize its lineup and interim coaching setup, Valdez’s willingness to return suddenly carries weight beyond statistics or scoring.

     

    It offers familiarity.

     

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    Few players understand the emotional demands of carrying the national team better than Valdez herself, who spent years serving as one of the pillars of Philippine volleyball during both rebuilding years and breakthrough moments. From SEA Games campaigns to regional tournaments, she became the constant face of Alas through changing rosters, coaches, and systems.

     

    Now, with the current program once again facing instability, the possibility of her return feels less about nostalgia and more about leadership.

     

    Liao, however, remained non-committal regarding the final composition of the roster as well as who will temporarily call the shots while Bundit recovers.

     

    The federation chief hinted the interim coach could come from the existing staff composed of Creamline mentor Sherwin Meneses, Cignal coach Shaq delos Santos, La Salle assistant Benson Bocboc, and Adamson’s JP Yude.

     

    With the AVC Women’s Cup drawing closer and uncertainty continuing to surround the program, the possible return of Valdez provides the national team something it badly needs right now:

    stability from someone who has seen — and survived — almost everything in an Alas Pilipinas jersey.

     

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  • Angel Canino reveals overseas offers nearly pulled her away from La Salle before Season 88 title run 

    Angel Canino reveals overseas offers nearly pulled her away from La Salle before Season 88 title run 

    For a while, Angel Canino genuinely thought her La Salle story might already be over.

     

    Long before De La Salle University completed its historic unbeaten championship run in UAAP Season 88, the Lady Spikers superstar found herself torn between loyalty and opportunity — between staying in Taft and chasing professional volleyball overseas.

     

    The offers were real. The temptation was, too.

     

    “Honestly speaking po talaga, there were offers po internationally,” revealed Canino during La Salle’s sit-down interview with Rico Hizon on ANC. “Kaya napa-dalawang isip po ako last year.”

     

    Coming off a heartbreaking Finals loss to National University in Season 87, Canino found herself at a crossroads familiar to many modern collegiate stars. The volleyball landscape had changed rapidly, with overseas clubs and professional teams now aggressively pursuing top UAAP talent even before they exhaust eligibility.

     

    Former NU standouts Alyssa Solomon and Bella Belen had already chosen that route, leaving college early to begin their professional journeys in Japan and the PVL.

     

    Canino could have easily done the same.

     

    Instead, she stayed — and in doing so, became the emotional anchor of one of the most dominant campaigns in UAAP history.

     

    What ultimately pulled her back to Taft wasn’t just unfinished business on the court. It was something far more personal.

     

    “When I went back after the Southeast Asian Games [last December], naramdaman ko po talaga na I really love La Salle. I also asked my Ates, and binigay nila yung advice nila sa akin. I was thinking about it, may offer sa labas, pero I made a promise that I will stay for five years,” shared Canino.

     

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    That promise, made years ago to legendary coach Ramil de Jesus, eventually outweighed everything else.

     

    And by staying, Canino didn’t just help La Salle reclaim the throne — she became part of a season that may define this generation of Lady Spikers forever.

     

    The green-and-white side stormed through Season 88 with a perfect 16-0 record, capped by a dominant Finals sweep of defending champion National University. More importantly, the run restored the aura of invincibility that has long surrounded the program.

     

    For Canino, though, the championship only deepened her attachment to the school she nearly left behind.

     

    “Mahal na mahal ko po yung La Salle, and mas lalo pa po akong napamahal dahil dito sa Season 88 na sisterhood namin,” she said. “And napa-stay din ako dahil sa Lasallian community.”

     

    Now, instead of exiting early, Canino is preparing for one final season with the Lady Spikers in Season 89 alongside the same core that brought La Salle back to the top.

     

    And perhaps that is what makes her decision resonate even more.

     

    At a time when many athletes are understandably tempted to leave early for bigger opportunities, Canino chose one more year of college — one more year of representing the school and teammates she says she learned to love even more after Season 88.

     

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  • Bryan Bagunas returns to Japan and finally captures elusive SV.League crown with Osaka 

    Bryan Bagunas returns to Japan and finally captures elusive SV.League crown with Osaka 

    For years, Japan represented unfinished business for Bryan Bagunas.

     

    He arrived as a promising Filipino import trying to carve out a place in one of Asia’s toughest volleyball leagues, endured losing seasons, changed countries, rebuilt his career elsewhere, and eventually returned for another shot. This time, though, the ending finally changed.

     

    Bagunas completed his long-awaited breakthrough in Japanese volleyball after helping Osaka capture the 2026 SV.League championship on Sunday at the Yokohama Arena.

     

    The title did not come easy.

     

    Osaka entered the Finals against reigning powerhouse Suntory as the underdog despite finishing second in the elimination round with a stellar 38-6 record. The Sunbirds, who topped the standings at 40-4 and won three of their four meetings during the regular season, immediately reminded everyone why they were favorites by taking Game 1 of the best-of-three series.

     

    Suntory claimed the opener in four sets, 26-24, 22-25, 25-16, 25-23, behind another dominant showing from towering Russian middle blocker Dmitry Muserskiy, who unloaded 23 points.

     

    Bagunas saw limited action in the match but still converted both of his attempts for two points.

     

    With their backs against the wall, Osaka found another level.

     

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    Game 2 became the turning point of the series as the Bluteon survived a five-set battle, 13-25, 25-23, 25-22, 20-25, 15-9, to force a winner-take-all showdown. Cuban star Miguel Angel Lopez carried much of the scoring load with 21 points, while Japanese ace Yuji Nishida added 20 markers built on powerful spikes and timely service aces.

     

    By Game 3, momentum had completely shifted. Osaka stormed to a convincing 25-22, 25-20, 25-18 victory to complete the comeback and dethrone Suntory on its own floor. Fittingly, it was Nishida who delivered the championship-clinching ace against Japanese star Ran Takahashi and the Sunbirds.

     

    For Bagunas, the celebration represented far more than just another trophy.

     

    Before returning to Japan, the Filipino outside hitter spent three seasons with Oita Miyoshi, where team success proved elusive despite flashes of individual brilliance. He later moved to Taiwan and rebuilt his confidence with Taichung, winning two championships and earning an MVP award during a dominant three-year run.

     

    That journey ultimately brought him back to Japan — older, more experienced, and finally part of a championship roster.

     

    Now, after years of grinding across different leagues in Asia, Bagunas can finally say he has conquered Japanese volleyball too.

     

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  • Alyssa Valdez, Kianna Dy, and Erika Santos headline honorees at the PVL Press Corps Awards Night 

    Alyssa Valdez, Kianna Dy, and Erika Santos headline honorees at the PVL Press Corps Awards Night 

    The spotlight of the Philippine volleyball season will shift to one stage on May 30 at Novotel Manila Araneta City, where the PVL Press Corps Awards Night returns to recognize the league’s defining performers and players whose impact went beyond numbers. 


    Three of the biggest names in the past PVL season will be formally honored on the awards night. Alyssa Valdez, Kianna Dy, and Erika Santos will all be recognized for their respective achievements that shaped their teams’ campaigns throughout the season.

     

    The Phenom Alyssa Valdez will once again take center stage, earning the Miss Quality Minutes honor after anchoring the Creamline Cool Smashers during one of their most testing campaigns in recent years. 

     

    With key teammates sidelined by injuries in the All-Filipino Conference, Valdez stepped into crucial moments and delivered steady, timely performances that helped stabilize Creamline on its way to an 11th PVL championship.

     

    Her consistency in pressure situations earned her 10.2 media votes and 2.8 team votes, topping fellow nominees Chennie Tagaod of Akari and Royse Tubino of Farm Fresh in the category backed by Rebisco and Immuni+.

     

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    For Kianna Dy, the recognition tells a different kind of comeback story. After missing 559 days due to a knee injury, the PLDT opposite hitter returned in January 2025.

     

    She quickly re-established herself as one of the league’s most dependable closers, powering the PLDT High Speed Hitters to titles in both the PVL On Tour and Invitational Conference.

     

    Her impact extended into the All-Filipino Conference, where she helped PLDT secure a bronze medal finish — the franchise’s best result in the tournament was highlighted by clutch championship-sealing blocks in key matches. 

     

    Dy topped the Comeback Player of the Year voting with 10.2 media votes and 4.8 team votes, beating Ces Molina, Jema Galanza, and Kat Tolentino.

     

    Meanwhile, Erika Santos represents the season’s breakthrough narrative after transforming into a primary scoring force. After her move from PLDT to Cignal, Santos embraced a bigger offensive role and quickly emerged as one of the league’s most dangerous hitters.

     

    Her rise was highlighted by a Most Valuable Player award in the 2025 PVL On Tour and a Finals appearance in the 2026 All-Filipino Conference marking the Cignal HD Spikers’ first Finals berth in two years. 

     

    She dominated the Most Improved Player voting with 12.0 media votes and 4.4 team votes before later joining the Capital1 Solar Spikers following Cignal’s leave of absence.

     

    She topped the field over fellow finalists Justine Jazareno of Akari, as well as Cloanne Mondonedo and Chinnie Arroyo of ZUS Coffee, to claim the honor.

     

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  • “I want to help build the team”: Vanie Gandler explains decision to join Capital1 Solar Spikers 

    “I want to help build the team”: Vanie Gandler explains decision to join Capital1 Solar Spikers 

    The Capital1 Solar Spikers made one of the most significant roster shake-ups in recent Premier Volleyball League (PVL) history on Thursday, May 14, dramatically reshaping their lineup and signaling a clear shift from a developing squad into a win-now contender ahead of the upcoming season.

     

    The franchise secured the services of former Cignal Super Spikers standouts Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos, while also reinforcing its playmaking department with veteran setter Jaja Santiago. The aggressive recruitment drive underlines Capital1’s intent to immediately compete with the league’s elite after previously operating as a rebuilding team.

     

    At the center of the transformation is Gandler, who arrives at Capital1 fresh off the most productive conference of her professional career. The 25-year-old broke out as one of the PVL’s premier attackers, guiding Cignal to its first-ever All-Filipino Finals appearance and nearly steering the squad to a championship upset against perennial powerhouse Creamline. Her standout campaign was capped by the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference Most Valuable Player award, the first major individual honor of her career.

     

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    Gandler spoke candidly about her decision to join Capital1, citing the team’s steady growth and organizational direction as key factors in her move.

     

    “When I was thinking of a team to join, I always felt that I fit best in Capital1 for some reason. Playing on the other side of the court against them, I saw the growth of the team in the two years that Capital1 has been in the PVL. I saw the potential that the team has because I can see it in the way the team owners handled the team, with how supportive they are with the way they communicate with their players,” Gandler said in her welcome press conference.

    “I wanted to join a team where I’m not just a missing piece, I wanted to be there to build a team with them, to help them write a story,” she added.

     

    Her arrival also creates a formidable attacking duo alongside fellow Alas Pilipinas standout Bella Belen, forming one of the most promising wing combinations in the PVL. The pairing gives Capital1 a rare blend of explosiveness and versatility, featuring two of the league’s most decorated young stars in the reigning MVP and Rookie of the Conference.

     

    Despite the heightened expectations, Gandler emphasized her commitment to growth and process over immediate pressure.

     

    “There may be high expectations but like always, my focus is just on today. What I have to do today, the process of what I need to do next, so I’m definitely gonna take what I learned over the past years and try to share it with the team, but not put too much pressure on myself that I have this expectation. I know that I still have so much to learn. And I know that I can learn so much from this new team, new people, new perspectives, so I’m very excited to still keep improving,” she continued.

     

    Capital1’s aggressive roster overhaul signals a clear change in trajectory, opting to accelerate its competitive timeline by surrounding its young core with proven talent capable of contending immediately. After acquiring two of the most sought-after players in the league following Cignal’s leave of absence, the Solar Spikers have positioned themselves as a legitimate threat in the PVL hierarchy.

     

    “Our goal is to focus on the process and I have no doubt that this team will really focus on the process and get there one step at a time. In my recent years of volleyball, I really fell in love with the process and everything I learned getting to that championship. The timeline to that championship, I’m not sure, but I know one day we will get there, but for now we are just gonna enjoy what we are doing and enjoy building this team together,” Gandler concluded.

     

    With the arrival of Gandler and Santos alongside a strengthened core led by Belen, Capital1 has transformed from a rebuilding side into one of the PVL’s most intriguing dark horses. While chemistry will take time to develop, the Solar Spikers now possess the star power, depth, and potential firepower to challenge established contenders—setting the stage for a season that could redefine the franchise’s direction in Philippine volleyball.

     

     

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