ANTIPOLO — Cignal stars Ces Molina and Vanie Gandler expressed regret over missing the chance to share the court with their former teammates on Saturday night.
The HD Spikers had the opportunity for an on-court reunion with former teammates and long-time Cignal players Rachel Daquis and Jheck Dionela when they faced Farm Fresh at the Ynares Center.
However, the two sat out the Foxies’ debut, with Daquis expected to miss the early part of the five-month 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference due to conditioning.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Today, we’re looking forward to playing against them. But, unfortunately, they’re not yet here. There will still be plenty of chances to play against them once they’re back on the court and playing again,” said Molina, who expressed her excitement about the possibility of facing the two prior to the season.
“Excited, of course. It’s always fun and exciting to go against familiar faces. Hopefully, soon we get to play against them,” said Gandler.
Daquis, who last played in the 2023 Invitationals, spent six years with Cignal before taking a break for more than a year, during which she missed the last three conferences.
Meanwhile, Dionela was the longest-tenured player for the HD Spikers, spending 11 years with the franchise before transferring to the Foxies, who also have another former Cignal player in AJ Jingco.
Also no longer with the squad are Chai Troncoso, Chin Basas, Gen Casugod, and Jovelyn Gonzaga.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Molina expressed how happy and proud she is of her new teammates as they begin their journey, confident that they will play key roles for the up-and-coming Farm Fresh.
“We’re happy and proud that wherever they are now, I know they’ll be able to contribute,” said Molina.
Despite her emotions, the former PVL MVP was all business against the Foxies, posting a game-high 14 points on 11 attacks and three aces in the dominant 25-15, 25-18, 25-21 victory.
Gandler, on the other hand, contributed an all-around performance with six points, seven excellent digs, and six excellent receptions.
