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Tag: Vanie Gandler

  • Where Cignal MVPs Vanie Gandler, Erika Santos Fit Best: New Homes Could Decide PVL’s Next Power Shift 

    Where Cignal MVPs Vanie Gandler, Erika Santos Fit Best: New Homes Could Decide PVL’s Next Power Shift 

    Cignal’s exit didn’t just open the market—it dropped two of the PVL’s most productive scorers into a league hungry for balance.

     

    Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos now enter free agency not just with reputation, but with numbers that validate their impact.

     

    Gandler finished sixth in scoring in the recent conference with 166 points, while Santos wasn’t far behind at eighth with 139. But the separation between them becomes clearer in efficiency. Santos ranked third in spiking with an impressive 37.74% success rate, highlighting her ability to convert under pressure, while Gandler placed ninth at 31.60%—still solid, but more reflective of her all-around role rather than pure finishing.

     

    That contrast is exactly why their next destinations matter.

     

    Santos has already proven she can be the answer to a specific need. When Cignal acquired her from PLDT, it was to fill a void at opposite spiker—a role that demands consistent scoring and the ability to carry offensive load. She delivered, and now finds herself in a similar position league-wide: a solution waiting for the right system.

     

    One team that stands out is Capital1.

     

    With rising star Bella Belen continuing to ascend, the addition of Santos could instantly give the squad one of the most dangerous scoring duos in the league. Belen has even teased fans about a potential team-up with former Cignal players, adding intrigue to the possibility. 

     

    If that pairing materializes, it wouldn’t just be exciting—it would be functional. Belen’s versatility combined with Santos’ efficiency could finally give Capital1 the firepower it has been missing in tight matches, potentially pushing them over the hump.

     

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    Gandler’s value, meanwhile, lies in how seamlessly she can elevate a system.

     

    There have been whispers of Creamline targeting the reigning PVL MVP, which on paper feels like a natural move. But the bigger question is whether adding another star to an already stacked roster creates dominance—or redundancy.

     

    A more transformative landing spot could be Farm Fresh.

     

    With Trisha Tubu already established as a primary scorer at the outside, Farm Fresh doesn’t necessarily need another volume scorer—they need stability and another layer of reliability. That’s where Gandler fits perfectly. Her sixth-place scoring finish shows she can produce, but her real strength lies in her ability to complement rather than compete within a system.

     

    Farm Fresh has already shown flashes as a playoff-caliber team. Adding Gandler could be the move that turns those flashes into sustained contention. The presence of an MVP-caliber player who can deliver in crucial stretches might be the exact difference between a semifinal exit and a Finals breakthrough.

     

    And that’s the bigger picture here.

     

    This isn’t just about two players finding new teams—it’s about how their specific strengths reshape the league. Santos offers efficiency and finishing, the kind that can anchor an offense. Gandler brings versatility and balance, the kind that can complete one.

     

    In a PVL landscape now defined by movement, the teams that win won’t just be the ones who sign stars.

     

    They’ll be the ones who understand exactly what kind of star they’re getting—and where that star fits best.

     

     

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  • Santos, Acuna, Gandler share emotional messages after Cignal’s withdrawal from PVL

    Santos, Acuna, Gandler share emotional messages after Cignal’s withdrawal from PVL

    Just as the Cignal Super Spikers appeared to be entering a new era following a breakthrough campaign, the franchise abruptly halted its momentum after announcing a leave of absence from the 2026 Premier Volleyball League.

     

    The decision comes only days after the Super Spikers completed a historic run to the Finals of the PVL 2026 All-Filipino Conference—the deepest postseason finish in franchise history. What was expected to be a springboard for sustained contention instead turned into an unexpected offseason development that immediately reshapes the league landscape and raises questions about the team’s long-term direction.

     

    In an official statement, the club confirmed the move was made after internal deliberations on its organizational direction.

     

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    “This is to officially announce that the Cignal Super Spikers – Women’s Volleyball Team has filed a Leave of Absence in the Premier Volleyball League. This difficult decision was taken under careful review of Cignal’s strategic direction,” the team said.

     

    No timetable has been provided for a possible return, leaving uncertainty surrounding both the players and coaching staff, as well as the competitive balance of a league that had just concluded one of its most closely contested seasons in recent memory.

     

    With Cignal stepping away, attention quickly shifts to the future of its roster. In the absence of a formal dispersal draft system in the PVL, rival teams are expected to aggressively pursue key talents in what could become a highly competitive free-agent market.

     

    Among the most coveted names is reigning All-Filipino Conference MVP Vanie Gandler, alongside standout contributors Erika Santos and Gel Cayuna, all of whom are expected to attract significant interest from clubs looking to strengthen their rosters ahead of the next PVL conference.

     

    Despite the uncertainty, several Cignal standouts took time to address the media, reflecting on their tenure with the franchise and expressing gratitude to management, teammates, and supporters.

    Santos spoke candidly about the emotional difficulty of the announcement while acknowledging her smooth transition into the team environment.

     

    “Hindi pa talaga nagsi-sink. Nasa stage pa ako na nagpo-process so siguro. Thankful ako kasi naipakita ko ‘yung true self ko sa kanila. Hindi ako nahirapang mag-adjust and ‘yung transition from my past team, tapos sila agad ‘yung nakasama ko. Sobrang okay sa feeling na mag-work ka and at the same time, may family ka and sisters. Sobrang thankful ako sa Cignal,” Santos said.

     

    Middle blocker Jackie Acuna also expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity provided by the franchise, crediting Cignal for giving her a platform despite limited collegiate exposure.

     

    “Sobrang grateful ako sa Cignal dahil nagbukas sila ng pinto kahit na hindi masyadong malaki ‘yung background ko ng college at ‘di ako masyadong nakapaglaro. Sila, sumugal sila kahit potential lang ‘yung dala ko. Magiging forever grateful ako sa Cignal,” Acuna added.

     

    Meanwhile, Gandler reflected on her growth within the program, highlighting the team-first culture that helped shape her into the league’s Most Valuable Player.

     

    “The best thing for me is them, the teammates that I met. They helped me become a better version of myself because everyone really had one goal. We wanted to grow, and we knew that to grow, we needed to be collaborative. It’s not really a competition, and we have to work together,” Gandler stated.

     

    Team captain Dawn Catindig, who joined Cignal following the disbandment of her former club F2 Logistics Cargo Movers in 2023, described the franchise as a second home while acknowledging the difficulty of moving forward.

     

    “For me naman na medyo matagal na sa pros, very important sa’kin ‘yung team culture sa susunod kong pupuntahan. I’m taking my time in my decision kasi ang hirap pa rin maka-move on kasi very fresh pa rin kaya I’m just taking my time,” Catindig stated.

     

    “We never expected that kind of news. Kahit na may rumors, very hopeful pa rin kami. But at the end of the day, it was a business decision, and we respect that. Alam naman namin na pinaglaban kami ng Cignal, and we have to go on our own ways,” she added.

     

    Before potentially fielding offers from other PVL clubs, the Cignal players are set to reunite one final time in competition at the 2026 Volleyball All-Star Showcase. Santos, Catindig, and Gandler will suit up for Team Heart, while Acuna will represent Team Hustle in what could serve as a symbolic final chapter of their time together under the Cignal banner.

     

     

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  • Vanie Gandler admits “she fought through many failures” after winning maiden PVL MVP honor

    Vanie Gandler admits “she fought through many failures” after winning maiden PVL MVP honor

    The Cignal Super Spikers saw their championship hopes come to a crushing end in Game 2 of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Finals, falling to the defending champions Creamline Cool Smashers in a gripping five-set battle, 25-23, 22-25, 25-16, 16-25, 15-11, on Thursday, April 23 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    In front of a packed and electric crowd, both teams traded momentum swings in a match that encapsulated the intensity and drama of a championship series. PLDT showed resilience throughout, refusing to back down against the league’s most decorated squad, but Creamline’s composure in the deciding fifth set ultimately proved to be the difference as they closed out the series and denied PLDT a chance to extend the finals.

     

    Despite the heartbreaking defeat, one of the brightest storylines of the conference belonged to Vanie Gandler, whose stellar performance throughout the tournament culminated in her first Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. The 25-year-old delivered 26 points in the do-or-die Game 2, doing everything she could to will her team to victory, only to see her efforts fall just short in the end.

     

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    Gandler’s individual brilliance was a defining feature of PLDT’s campaign. By the end of the semifinals, she ranked fourth in total scoring with 209 points, built on 182 attacks, 17 kill blocks, and 10 service aces. Her all-around game was equally impressive—she placed ninth in spiking efficiency at 31.93 percent, seventh in serving with 0.23 aces per set, and seventh in receiving at 36.59 percent, underscoring her ability to contribute on both ends of the floor.

     

    Her MVP recognition marks a significant milestone in what has been a career defined by perseverance and steady growth. Once viewed as a polarizing figure during her collegiate days with the University Athletic Association of the Philippines while playing for the Ateneo Blue Eagles, Gandler faced intense scrutiny early in her career. Questions about her consistency and ability to translate potential into production followed her into the professional ranks.

     

    This conference, however, served as a turning point.

    “This is very meaningful to me because I fought really hard to be where I am today. I fought through so many failures. I fought through so much doubt. But I’m pretty grateful for those that were with me,” Gandler said after being named MVP.

     

    Her journey from criticism to recognition has resonated with many, especially as she emerged not just as a scorer, but as a leader and stabilizing presence for PLDT. Night after night, Gandler delivered under pressure, showcasing improved decision-making, defensive discipline, and a renewed confidence that elevated her overall game.

     

    “I really hold that purpose now. I want to show people now with hard work and dedication, you can reach your goals, that you can get to where you want. It doesn’t matter what people say as long as you keep working and you bring the result,” she added.

     

    For PLDT, the loss will undoubtedly sting, particularly after pushing one of the league’s most dominant teams to the limit. Yet, the conference also provided a glimpse into the team’s future, with Gandler at the forefront of its evolution into a legitimate title contender.

     

    As for the MVP, the recognition is both validation and motivation. Gandler’s story is no longer just about potential—it is now about fulfillment, growth, and resilience in the face of adversity.

     

    “I’m proud of myself. I’m definitely a player, a person that keeps trying, keeps pushing forward. It doesn’t matter what people say. I have a great career. I have a great team. I’m blessed to have this career. I have a great family and a great support system. So that’s what matters to me,” Gandler concluded.

     

    While the Creamline Cool Smashers continue their pursuit of yet another championship, the 2026 All-Filipino Conference will be remembered as the tournament where Vanie Gandler fully arrived—transforming from a once-scrutinized talent into one of the league’s brightest and most complete stars.

     

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  • PVL’s most well-spoken stars: Players who lead with words and performance 

    PVL’s most well-spoken stars: Players who lead with words and performance 

    In the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), postgame interviews have become just as compelling as the matches themselves, especially when certain players stand out not only for their performance on the court but also for how they express themselves off it. Some athletes come across as well-spoken in interviews because of a combination of preparation, experience, and natural communication skills. Many teams also provide media training, helping players learn how to answer questions clearly, stay composed under pressure, and represent their squad professionally in front of the media.

     

    Over time, repeated exposure to high-pressure situations plays a major role in shaping how athletes communicate. Veteran players become more comfortable processing emotions quickly and responding with clarity even after intense matches. A deeper understanding of the game also adds substance to their answers, allowing them to break down strategies, momentum shifts, and key moments in a more insightful way.

     

    Jia De Guzman 

     

    Jia De Guzman of the Creamline Cool Smashers continues to set the standard for articulate leadership in the PVL. As Creamline’s veteran setter and Alas Pilipinas captain, she is consistently present in postgame interviews where she explains matches with calm precision. In Creamline’s ongoing Finals run, where they already secured Game 1 against Cignal, De Guzman delivered 22 excellent sets and added four points, showing her control on both ends of the game. 


    Her ability to break down tactical details reflects years of experience dating back to her Ateneo Lady Eagles days. Beyond the court, she has also been vocal on national team concerns, speaking firmly yet calmly about athlete welfare and structured competition.

     

    Vanie Gandler 

     

    Vanie Gandler of the Cignal HD Spikers is another player known for her composed and thoughtful postgame presence. In Cignal’s Finals campaign in the PVL All-Filipino Conference, she remains one of the team’s key scorers, finishing Game 1 against Creamline with 17 attack points and 10 receptions. 

     

    Despite the tough loss, Gandler maintains a positive and reflective tone in interviews, often focusing on resilience, mindset, and improvement. A former Ateneo Lady Eagle like De Guzman, she carries collegiate discipline into her professional career, balancing competitiveness with maturity in her responses.

     

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    Fifi Sharma

     

    Fifi Sharma of the Akari Chargers is known for her structured and straightforward way of speaking after matches. She avoids unnecessary filler and often explains not just what happened, but why it happened. Although Akari fell short of a semifinal spot in the PVL All-Filipino Conference after being eliminated by Creamline in the playoffs, Sharma remained composed in postgame discussions, focusing on clarity and accountability. 

     

    A former De La Salle University standout, she brings UAAP-level discipline into her professional career. She has also occasionally worked as a commentator in PVL games, where her technical understanding of volleyball adds depth to her analysis.

     

    Kim Kianna Dy

     

    Kim Kianna Dy of the PLDT High Speed Hitters is often noted for her relaxed, conversational interview style. In PLDT’s recent PVL All-Filipino Conference bronze medal series, she contributed 16 points in a dramatic five-set Game 1 win over Farm Fresh. Dy’s speaking style often blends English and Filipino naturally or what they usually say “conyo”. 

     

    Reflecting a casual but confident media presence developed through her years with De La Salle University, where she experienced championship runs and MVP-level attention. Despite the informal tone, she remains clear in explaining game flow and consistently highlights teamwork and support from her squad.

     

    Ponggay Gaston

     

    Ponggay Gaston of the Capital1 Solar Spikers stands out for her energetic and engaging communication style. Known for her humor, personality, and great banter, she is also well known as a commentator in volleyball games. As a commentator, she brings the game to life through clear, engaging, and knowledgeable narration. She has a strong understanding of volleyball tactics and demonstrates excellent timing, knowing when to step in with analysis and when to let the excitement of a rally speak for itself. 

     

    A former Ateneo Lady Eagle, Gaston combines confidence with relatability when speaking to the media. While Capital1 fell short in the PVL Play-In round against Galeries Tower and missed the semifinals, she remained expressive and reflective in postgame interviews, balancing honesty with optimism.

     

    Across these players, one clear pattern emerges: being well-spoken is shaped by experience, collegiate development, leadership roles, and repeated exposure to high-pressure matches. Whether as champions, contenders, or rising talents, their words reflect not only performance—but also growth, awareness, and maturity as professional athletes.

     

    Their collegiate backgrounds also play a significant role in shaping how confidently and articulately they communicate. All of the players mentioned come from two of the most prestigious universities in the country, Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University—both part of the UAAP and known for producing elite volleyball talents. These programs have long been recognized for honing not only athletic excellence but also discipline, leadership, and communication skills, helping shape professional athletes who are just as composed off the court as they are competitive on it.

     

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  • “It’s a best-of-three series for a reason”: Vanie Gandler confident Cignal can mount a PVL Finals comeback 

    “It’s a best-of-three series for a reason”: Vanie Gandler confident Cignal can mount a PVL Finals comeback 

    Game 1 of the finals did more than simply hand the series lead to the Creamline Cool Smashers—it signaled the return of a team that once defined dominance in the league.

     

    For a squad that has built its identity on consistency, composure, and championship pedigree, Creamline didn’t just secure a win—they reestablished their presence as the standard. And for the Cignal HD Spikers, it was a version of the Cool Smashers that proved difficult to anticipate and even harder to contain.

     

    The straight-sets result, 25-22, 25-18, 25-16, only scratched the surface of what unfolded at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. While the scoreboard reflected control, the match itself highlighted Creamline’s ability to dictate tempo, capitalize on key stretches, and maintain relentless pressure from start to finish. It was less about Cignal faltering under the bright lights and more about Creamline rediscovering its rhythm at precisely the right moment in the series.

     

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    Cignal entered the finals carrying momentum and experience, having navigated a challenging path to reach the championship round. With a roster capable of matching up against any team, the HD Spikers were expected to put up a stern fight. However, they found themselves on the back foot early, struggling to keep pace with Creamline’s fluid offense and disciplined defense.

     

    Despite the loss, Vanie Gandler stood out as a bright spot for Cignal. The star outside hitter continued her strong run of form, finishing with 17 points while anchoring the team’s floor defense with 10 excellent receptions. Her performance underscored her importance to the squad, particularly in high-pressure situations.

    Following the match, Gandler remained composed and forward-looking, emphasizing the importance of moving past the opening setback in a best-of-three championship series.

     

    “Yeah, it was a tough loss but it’s Game 1, it’s a best-of-three series for a reason. We are just going forward and do what we need to do to improve. Creamline really did their best, so maybe we were overwhelmed with how we played. It’s a new day tomorrow,” Gandler said.

     

    Her comments reflected a team that, while tested, is far from discouraged. Gandler acknowledged that Creamline’s depth and star power may have caught them off guard at times, but she stressed that the HD Spikers are intent on learning from the experience rather than dwelling on it.

     

    “Yeah we are approaching the loss with our heads up, like I said, the championship series isn’t over and we know the lapses and what we did wrong so hopefully we are able to bounce back. That’s why we are not dwelling on our loss today, we are just focusing on our recovery and then what we need to do to improve our lapses,” she added.

     

    For Cignal, the path forward is clear: regroup, recalibrate, and respond. Adjustments—both tactical and mental—will be crucial as they attempt to counter Creamline’s balanced attack and regain their footing in the series.

     

    Game 2 now looms as a pivotal encounter. With their backs against the wall, the HD Spikers will look to force a deciding Game 3 and extend the series, while Creamline aims to sustain its momentum and close out the championship in dominant fashion.

     

    All eyes will once again turn to the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Thursday, April 23, where both teams are expected to bring renewed intensity in what promises to be a defining clash for the title.

     

     

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  • “We have to play like champions”: Vanie Gandler sets the tone as Cignal eye maiden PVL title 

    “We have to play like champions”: Vanie Gandler sets the tone as Cignal eye maiden PVL title 

    For the Cignal HD Spikers, the road back to the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Finals has been anything but abrupt. It’s a return shaped by patience—two years of recalibration, system tweaks, and steady internal growth rather than headline-grabbing overhauls. The result is a squad that looks more complete, more mature, and far more dangerous than in its previous title bids.

     

    At the heart of that evolution is Vanie Gandler, whose rise from a complementary option to the team’s focal point has mirrored Cignal’s own climb. Once regarded as a promising piece with upside, Gandler has now fully embraced the role of franchise cornerstone—delivering when it matters most and elevating those around her.

     

    Her latest performance served as the clearest statement yet.

     

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    In Cignal’s finals-clinching victory over the Creamline Cool Smashers at the Mall of Asia Arena, Gandler put together an all-around masterclass. She poured in 24 points while anchoring the backcourt with 10 digs and 10 excellent receptions, showcasing not just scoring prowess but complete two-way impact. Against one of the PVL’s most decorated dynasties, it was the kind of performance that signaled a shift in balance—and perhaps, a changing of the guard.

     

    But for Gandler, the job is far from finished.

     

    “Our focus isn’t just making it to the finals, we pray for a championship. But that comes with challenges, and we have to play like champions,” Gandler said in a media interaction.

    That mindset reflects a deeper hunger within the Cignal camp. Since joining the PVL five years ago, the franchise has flirted with glory but has yet to capture its first title. They came agonizingly close twice—first in the 2022 Reinforced Conference and again in the 2024 Invitational Conference—only to fall short at the final hurdle.

     

    Those near-misses now serve as both motivation and fuel.

     

    With another finals appearance secured, the stakes feel different this time. The roster is more battle-tested, the chemistry more refined, and the leadership—both vocal and by example—more pronounced. For Gandler, the opportunity carries personal and collective significance.

     

    “It means the world to me because I see the qualities of a champion in each one of my teammates, they have made me a better player and person,” she added.

     

    Cignal’s return to the championship stage sets up yet another high-stakes showdown with Creamline, a team synonymous with winning in the PVL era. Game 1 is slated for Tuesday, April 21, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where experience and legacy will collide with hunger and momentum.

     

    The question now is whether Gandler’s emergence—and Cignal’s long, methodical buildup—will finally translate into a breakthrough title, or if Creamline’s championship pedigree will once again prove too steep a climb.

     

    Either way, the stage is set for a defining chapter.

     

     

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  • Vanie Gandler emerges as Cignal’s voice as she is named PVL Press Corps Player of the Week 

    Vanie Gandler emerges as Cignal’s voice as she is named PVL Press Corps Player of the Week 

    For the Cignal Super Spikers, the journey back to the Finals wasn’t defined by a single moment—it was built over time.

     

    Two years of recalibration, adjustments, and quiet progress have finally led them back to the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference championship stage. But within that steady climb, one transformation stood out: the evolution of Vanie Gandler from promising piece to undeniable centerpiece.

     

    Gandler’s rise didn’t happen overnight. Once seen as an emerging talent, the Ateneo de Manila University product has grown into both the emotional anchor and primary scoring option for a team now chasing its first All-Filipino crown.

     

    And when the moment demanded it, she delivered.

     

    In Cignal’s finals-clinching win over the Creamline Cool Smashers at the Mall of Asia Arena, Gandler produced a statement performance—24 points, 10 digs, and 10 excellent receptions—powering her side past one of the league’s most decorated squads.

     

    It wasn’t just production. It was control. Against a team known for its depth and experience, Gandler held her ground, dictating tempo and providing stability on both ends of the floor. 

     

    The performance not only sealed Cignal’s return to the Finals—it also earned her the final PVL Press Corps Player of the Week honors for the conference.

     

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    Yet for Gandler, the story has never been about individual recognition. “We can’t explain how deep this is for us, kasi we know how hard we worked for this. I just have so much gratefulness for the team, kasi the player I am today is because of them,” she shared.

     

    “The way the team is performing is because we just want the best for each other. It’s really not for ourselves, it’s for each other.”

     

    That collective mindset has become the identity of this Cignal squad. Even in their final semifinal outing—a loss to the PLDT High Speed Hitters in a non-bearing match—the Super Spikers stayed focused on the bigger picture. Gandler saw limited action, scoring just one point, as the team opted to rest its core and give its bench valuable minutes ahead of the championship series.

    It was a decision rooted in confidence—and preparation.

     

    “Our focus isn’t that we go to the championship. Our focus is that we train like champions every day. So that’s what we do. We ask God for a championship. He’s gonna give us challenges, but we need to play like we’re champions,” Gandler said.

     

    “It means the world because I see the qualities of a champion in each one of them. And it’s made me a better person and player.”

     

    Now, the rebuild has come full circle. Cignal heads into a best-of-three Finals against Creamline at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, armed not just with momentum—but with a clearer identity shaped by growth, patience, and belief.

     

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  • “We know how hard we worked for this”: Vanie Gandler credits teamwork and growth in Cignal’s finals run

    “We know how hard we worked for this”: Vanie Gandler credits teamwork and growth in Cignal’s finals run

    The Cignal Super Spikers secured a return to the championship stage of the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference after delivering a composed and commanding semifinal performance, sweeping past the Creamline Cool Smashers, 25-13, 13-25, 25-16, 25-16, at the Mall of Asia Arena on Tuesday.

     

    But while the scoreboard reflected a four-set victory, the Super Spikers’ return to the Finals was defined less by a single dominant stretch and more by a collective maturity that has been steadily building throughout the conference. Unlike previous campaigns where momentum swings often derailed their rhythm, Cignal showed poise in crucial stretches, regaining control whenever Creamline attempted to mount resistance.

     

    At the heart of the breakthrough was standout spiker Vanie Gandler, who produced a well-rounded and efficient triple-double performance of 24 points, 10 digs, and 10 receptions. Her all-around display not only anchored Cignal’s offense but also reinforced their defensive structure, allowing the Super Spikers to stabilize during pressure situations and convert key runs into decisive separation.

     

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    Despite the impressive stat line, Gandler was quick to deflect individual praise, emphasizing instead the collective identity and shared purpose that have fueled Cignal’s rise this season.

    In the postmatch press conference, she reflected on the team’s journey and the emotional weight of reaching another Finals appearance, crediting both her teammates and the coaching staff for shaping her growth as a player.

     

    “It’s hard for us to answer kasi parang we can’t explain how deep this is for us. Kasi we know how hard we worked for this. I just have so much gratefulness for the team kasi the player I am today is because of them. And then the way the team is performing is because we just want the best for each other. It’s really not for ourselves, it’s for each other,” Gandler said.

     

    “I can’t explain how meaningful it is for me to reach the Finals again,” she added.

     

    Cignal’s victory not only booked them a Finals return but also guaranteed at least a top-two finish in the semifinal round, a significant achievement that underscores their consistency in one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory.

     

    The Super Spikers are set to conclude their semifinal campaign against the PLDT High Speed Hitters on Thursday, April 16, at the FilOil Centre, a matchup that will now serve as both a final tune-up and a test of their readiness heading into the championship series.

     

    As Cignal shifts its focus toward the Finals, their latest win stands as a testament not just to talent, but to cohesion, discipline, and a growing belief that this group is built for the biggest moments.

     

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  • Cignal’s finals return built on team chemistry and belief 

    Cignal’s finals return built on team chemistry and belief 

    Cignal’s latest finals breakthrough wasn’t defined by a single run, a single stat line, or even a single player. It was built on something less visible—but far more enduring.

     

    The Super Spikers punched their way back into the PVL Finals after dispatching Creamline, 25-13, 13-25, 25-16, 25-16, in the 2026 All-Filipino Conference semifinals at the Mall of Asia Arena. But beyond the numbers, what stood out was how they got there—steady, connected, and unshaken by momentum swings that have undone them in the past.

     

    At the center of it all was Vanie Gandler, who delivered a composed yet dominant triple-double of 24 points, 10 digs, and 10 receptions. Still, even a performance like that felt more like a reflection of the system rather than an outlier within it.

     

    For Gandler, the spotlight has never been the goal.

     

    For this group, it’s about becoming worthy of it. Cignal showed that maturity early. After cruising through the opening set, they absorbed Creamline’s pushback in the second without panic. Instead of unraveling, they reset—leaning into the discipline and trust they’ve built over time.

     

    That response defined the match.

     

    Erika Santos and Tin Tiamzon provided balance with 14 points apiece, combining for crucial floor defense and stability in reception. Rose Doria-Aquino added 10 markers, while playmaker Gel Cayuna orchestrated the offense with 29 excellent sets, quietly dictating the tempo while chipping in five points of her own.

     

    “We just kept telling each other one point at a time, one point at a time because based on experience, we know how Creamline can really come back at any time even if the score is super far. They’ve done it many times, so we really did our best to bounce back from our mistakes and just really move forward. “

     

    That awareness—earned from past heartbreak—was evident when Cignal broke a 4-all deadlock in the third set and never looked back. The Super Spikers turned the stretch into a statement, with Tiamzon delivering the push that effectively sealed their return to the championship stage.

     

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    Now entering their third finals appearance, the approach remains unchanged. “It’s hard for us to answer kasi parang we can’t explain how deep this is for us kasi we know how hard we worked for this. I just have so much gratefulness for the team kasi the player I am today is because of them,” Gandler said.

     

    “The way the team is performing is because we just want the best for each other. It’s really not for ourselves. It’s for each other. And so it’s just, I can’t explain how meaningful it is for me to reach the finals again. I’m thankful to be part of this team.”

     

    Cignal’s rise hasn’t been anchored on individual brilliance, but on a collective mindset—one that prioritizes daily habits over destination.

     

    “It means everything to me, but our focus isn’t that we go to the championship. Our focus is that we train like champions every day, so that’s what we do.”

     

    It’s a philosophy rooted in consistency and belief, extending beyond the court. “We ask God for a championship. He’s gonna give us challenges. But we need to play like we’re champions. It means the world because I see that the qualities of a champion in each one of them. And like I said, it’s made me a better person and playing,” she said.

     

    On the other side, Bernadeth Pons led Creamline with 17 points and nine digs, while Jema Galanza added 10 points and 17 receptions as the Cool Smashers were pushed to a do-or-die clash against Farm Fresh for the last finals berth.

     

    But this night belonged to Cignal—not just for winning, but for showing exactly who they’ve become.

     

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  • Erika Santos-Vanie Gandler pact lead Cignal to semis win, eyes repeat versus Creamline 

    Erika Santos-Vanie Gandler pact lead Cignal to semis win, eyes repeat versus Creamline 

    Cignal’s strength in the PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals isn’t built on a single star—it’s built on trust.

     

    At the heart of that system is a quiet pact between Erika Santos and Vanie Gandler, one that doesn’t just fuel their offense but anchors the identity of the entire team. It’s a simple agreement, but one that has carried the Super Spikers to an early edge in the Final Four.

     

    “We’ve been telling each other that we will cover for one another because we can’t afford to be the ones missing in action for the team,” Santos said.

     

    That shared responsibility was on full display Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena, where Cignal shrugged off a slow start to overpower Farm Fresh, 23-25, 25-14, 25-11, 25-12.

     

    Santos led the charge with 21 points, built on 20 attacks and a block, while Gandler backed her up with 18—another example of the duo’s ability to take turns carrying the load without disrupting the team’s rhythm.

     

    “I feel motivated because I can see she trusts me, so I make sure to give that trust back to her, too,” Santos added.

     

    But what makes Cignal dangerous goes beyond scoring. The Santos-Gandler connection reflects a larger philosophy—one where roles shift depending on the moment, and no player is tied to being the focal point every time down the floor.

     

    “I think we all just play very selflessly. Nobody wants to be the star. We just try to cover for each other, whatever that way is,” said Gandler.

     

    “If Erika is doing better in offense this day, I will try to do my best to have good first balls. If she’s struggling, I try to step up also. But it’s not just me, the whole team plays very selflessly.”

     

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    That mindset extends across the roster.

     

    Gel Cayuna orchestrated the offense with 16 excellent sets while chipping in five points, keeping Cignal’s attack fluid and unpredictable. Tin Tiamzon provided balance on the wing, while Dawn Catindig anchored the floor defense behind a steady frontline of Rose Doria-Aquino and Jackie Acuña.

     

    “I think it’s that support system we have with one another. We allow each other to make errors, we allow each other to have the time to recover,” Gandler said.

     

    Cignal entered the conference without the headline-grabbing acquisitions of its rivals, relying instead on continuity and chemistry. The result: a team that quietly built its way to a 6-3 record in the preliminaries and the distinction of being the only semifinalist to have beaten all three other contenders.

     

    “Cignal’s different in a way that our core changed a bit. Our key players left and now we added some more key players, so we needed a bit of time to learn how to play together,” Gandler said. “But when it comes to the heart, it’s the accumulation of heartbreaks that we had before.”

     

    Even in this win, the journey wasn’t seamless. Farm Fresh struck first, capitalizing on Cignal’s early rust after a 15-day layoff. But instead of unraveling, the Super Spikers reset.

     

    “For me, the first set was winnable. Instead of panicking, like what Vanie said, we just gathered ourselves, looked at where we fell short and fixed our lapses right away,” Santos said.

     

    From there, the match tilted decisively. Cignal tightened its execution while Farm Fresh struggled to find rhythm, committing 27 errors that proved too costly at this stage.

     

    Now, the challenge only intensifies. Cignal faces Creamline next in what will be their third meeting this conference, before closing out the semifinals against PLDT. In a round-robin format where every result carries weight, the margin for error continues to shrink.

     

    “It’s [a lot of pressure], of course, one [miss], you die,” said Gandler. “We don’t really focus on the result, we focus on what we need to do now—if it’s training, the game, each point, each set—then recover after. We just try to do everything we can do to prepare well and not really give ourselves that much pressure on the outcome of the game.”

     

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