Cignal signs Ateneo star Gandler

Cignal beefed up its firepower at the wing spot after landing a blue-chip recruit in Ateneo de Manila University star Vanie Gandler for the coming Premier Volleyball League mid-season tournament.

The HD Spikers added the former University Athletic Association of the Philippines champion in time for the Invitational Conference set to begin next month as they look to bounce back from a disappointing sixth-place finish in the All-Filipino Conference last March.

An energetic young blood, Gandler is a perfect fit for Cignal as she is expected to provide another explosive option on offense and reliable support in floor defense.

The 5-foot-9 heavy-hitter, who has exhausted all her playing years for the Blue Eagles, will join veteran Cignal wingers in skipper Rachel Anne Daquis, Ces Molina and Chai Trongcoso, who is coming off a national team stint in the 32^nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia.

A sought-after spiker, Gandler is stepping out of her comfort zone as she will be playing in an unfamiliar system under head coach Shaq delos Santos and with teammates that she has yet to play with.

The 22-year-old head-turner helped the Blue Eagles win its last UAAP title back in 2019 in her rookie year. She then led Ateneo to a bronze medal finish last year.

In her final year for the blue and white in Season 85, Gandler put up an average of 11 points per game despite the Blue Eagles missing the Final Four for the first time in 14 years.

Gandler has joined Ateneo co-team captain Faith Nisperos in the professional ranks after a forgettable season.

Nisperos signed a deal with the Akari Chargers earlier after deciding to forego her final playing eligibility year.

Cignal finished third in the Invitational Conference last year.