Vanie Gandler reacts after leading Cignal to another podium finish in just her second conference with the club. Photo by Ernie Sarmiento
Gandler shines as Cignal secures 4th PVL bronze
CIGNAL secured third place with a 18-24, 25-21, 25-22, 26-24 win over Chery Tiggo in the Premier Volleyball League 2nd All-Filipino Conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
It took too long for the HD Spikers to confirm their fourth bronze medal in the league, as the Crossovers challenged a foot fault violation on Jovelyn Gonzaga.
After a long discussion, first referee Patrick Castillo denied Chery Tiggo’s challenge as coach Kungfu Reyes was late in pushing the buzzer that came right after Eya Laure’s kill went outside, which turned out to be the match point.
Vanie Gandler, who hammered 22 points in the clincher, was happy to lead Cignal to another podium finish in just her second conference with the club.
“I’m just very very very very happy. Because I know how tired we are. I know how much work we had put in and we sacrificed so much,” said Gandler.
“Today, I really felt the fight from each player, each coach up to the management. I’m very thankful,” she added.
Ces Molina, who added 14 points, was delighted to see the HD Spikers to be on the same page to close out the third place series in two matches.
“Naging personal growth ng team. Yung mga teammates ko nag-step up talaga sila kahit sinong ipasok sa amin. Nakita ninyo naman na nagko-contribute talaga,” said Molina.
“Alam kong masayang-masaya ang bawat isa sa team and hopefully sa susunod pang mga conferences, mas magiging maganda ang laban ng team,” the Invitational Conference MVP added.
Gandler broke through the double block of the Crossovers for Cignal to regain the lead at 25-24 right after Eya Laure’s off-the-block kill tied the match for the final time.
Eya Laure led the Crossovers with 17 points, including four blocks, and eight digs, while Mylene Paat added 16 points, including two blocks.
