Vanie Gandler named first-ever PVL Player of the Week

Vanie Gandler made history as the sophomore open hitter was named the inaugural PVL Press Corps Player of the Week for leading Cignal in their 2024 season opener.

The 5-foot-9 high-flyer picked up where she left off from last season, pouring in a game-high 19 points built on 17 attacks, one ace, and one block to star in their 21-25, 25-18, 25-12, 25-18 victory against Akari last Saturday to open their All-Filipino Conference bid on a rousing note.

Gandler, who shone even in a team stacked with veterans like Ces Molina, Jovelyn Gonzaga, and Roselyn Doria, led the charge as they bucked a shaky start before pulling off the four-set triumph.

“It feels good, of course, because our preparation time was very short, but I’m happy that the team was able to come together,” said the Cignal rising star.

“After the first set, it’s normal first-game jitters. but I could see how much we all want it.”

The former Ateneo standout edged out Creamline’s Tots Carlos, PLDT’s Savie Davison, Chery Tiggo’s Mylene Paat, Petro Gazz’s Nicole Tiamzon, and Choco Mucho’s Mars Alba for the weekly award deliberated upon by reporters regularly covering the PVL beat.

Despite playing in just her second year, the 23-year-old spiker stressed she has embraced her bigger role to the team, saying she’s learned to live up to expectations.

“Personally for me, now that I’ve played two conferences, I know that the teams are going to really scout me more, so I really have to think outside the box and level up from here,” she continued.

“As a team, I’m sure teams are also gonna scout us. That’s a challenge, of course. We’re just 14 awesome, so, you know, [we need to] stay healthy. It’s everyone’s biggest obstacle.”

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News