Vanie Gandler put up another stellar outing to lead the Cignal Super Spikers past the Capital1 Solar Spikers, clinching a berth in the qualifying round of the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Vanie Gandler delivered another commanding performance to power Cignal past Capital1, 25-22, 25-21, 25-20, in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Saturday at the FilOil Centre.
Gandler finished with 23 points built on 21 attacks and two blocks, while also adding eight receptions in a strong all-around outing that lifted the Super Spikers to a 6-2 record and a spot in the qualifying round.
With the victory, Cignal became the second team to punch its ticket to the next phase alongside sister squad PLDT.
For Gandler, the win reflected the team’s preparation and collective effort on both ends of the floor.
"I'm very proud of the team, of course, because we worked so hard. Like, we really work very hard. So, I'm very proud," said Gandler.
"You can see today was really a team effort. Everyone was moving. We were doing everything we studied. And I’m just happy that we were able to execute everything the coaches taught us."
[ALSO READ: Vanie Gandler confident Cignal core can stay competitive in PVL All-Filipino]
The Super Spikers also executed a solid defensive game plan against the Solar Spikers' Bella Belen, limiting the 2025 no. 1 pick to just 16 markers.
As a result, Belen ended her streak of 20-point games after opening the conference with seven straight outings with at least 20 points.
Team captain Dawn Catindig, who anchored the defense with eight excellent digs, stressed the importance of every victory as teams battle for better positioning heading into the next round.
"For us, every win talaga, very crucial. Lalo na may parang may rank. Important yung ranking ngayon coming into the parang step ladder sa next round," said Catindig.
"So thankful lang kami, and we prepare talaga for each game."
Cignal will close out its preliminary round campaign next Saturday when it faces the Creamline Cool Smashers at the same venue.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.