“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.

WATCH: Cignal head coach Shaq delos Santos, players Vanie Gandler, Gel Cayuna, and Tin Tiamzon look back at the challenges the team faced in their journey to the #PVLFinals. #PVL2026 | via @kennedyzcaacbay pic.twitter.com/uPqyL16TlG

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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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