Cignal HD Spikers. MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Cignal coach Shaq Delos Santos lauded Vanie Gandler’s dedication as the rookie rushed her way from her college graduation at Ateneo to their Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference game at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Saturday.
When the HD Spikers were taking on the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers in an extended second set, Gandler arrived in game uniform at the bench of her pro team, expressing her willingness to play despite coming from her graduation rites.
Gandler, who graduated as a Business Management student-athlete, only played in the last two sets in Cignal’s first loss in Pool B, 20-25, 28-30, 25-23, 22-25. But the HD Spikers coach was amazed by his player’s effort.
“Grabe ‘yung effort niya talaga, kasi talagang pinilit niya makahabol sa game. But before that, may plan naman kami and hihintayin namin talaga siya,” said Delos Santos in the team statement.
(I commend her effort because she did everything to make it to the game. But before that, we already had a plan that we will wait for her.)
Delos Santos, a former women’s national volleyball team coach, congratulated Gandler, believing the best is yet to come for her as his team has a long-term plan for the former Blue Eagle.
“Happy kami for Vanie [Gandler] kasi graduate na siya and start na ‘yung journey niya sa another chapter ng buhay niya. We are also thankful kasi part siya ng team namin. I know marami siya magiging role and malaki ang magiging tulong niya sa team namin,” he said.
(We’re happy for Vanie because she already graduated and will start her journey for another chapter of her life. We’re also thankful that she chose to be part of our team. I know that she will have a vital role and will be a big help for our team.)
Gandler made a convincing pro debut when she scored eight points in Cignal’s opening win over Petro Gazz, which is under her former college coach Oliver Almadro, before the HD Spikers fell to a 1-1 record against the Cargo Movers on her graduation day.
The HD Spikers are currently on a 10-day break before resuming their campaign against the winless Foton Tornadoes (0-2) on July 11 at Philsports Arena.