Vanie Gandler is thrilled with Cignal’s new signings after signing a long-term contract with the HD Spikers

The Cignal HD Spikers achieved a coup recently after convincing star outside hitter Vanie Gandler to sign a long-term extension with the franchise, ensuring that the Alas Pilipinas standout will remain with the team for the foreseeable future.

Gandler was happy to commit her future to the Spikers and, in a media interaction, revealed that she was thrilled to see the franchise go on a signing spree as they aim to rebuild the squad. This comes after the sudden departures of former Premier Volleyball League Most Valuable Player (MVP) Ces Molina and star middle blocker Ria Meneses, whose contracts expired on December 31.

Cignal management has made a slew of signings, including Erika Santos, Tin Tiamzon, Heather Guino-o, and Ethan Arce. Notably, they managed to convince Tiamzon to come out of retirement and persuaded Santos to leave the PLDT High Speed Hitters to join them.

“I’m so happy that these players chose Cignal because I know that we all have a goal, and I know that they can really do great in this team. They are all going to be big assets for us,” Gandler stated.

The 24-year-old is eager to repay the trust shown by Cignal’s management, promising to be a good leader for the team.

Vanie Gandler on her new Cignal teammates. #PVL2025 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/2x2VZtKrq8

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 23, 2025

“There is more responsibility for me. But like what they always say—pressure is a privilege. You can’t reach greater heights without the risk of failure, without the risk of putting yourself out there. I always tell myself when I get scared: it’s the only way to get better.

“The greatest athletes put themselves in situations where they risk losing big—where a lot is at stake. But in return, when it works out, it’s all worth it. So, you know, I’m going to keep risking and learning from all my failures until we finally move forward and get what we have been eyeing,” Gandler concluded.

The Cignal HD Spikers had a mixed campaign in the PVL All-Filipino Conference, finishing third in the preliminary stage but losing to the Galeries Tower Highrisers in the qualifying round, ultimately failing to make it past the Play-In tournament.

Gandler is currently training with Alas Pilipinas as part of their 33-player pool and has yet to rejoin Cignal for training.

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