Erika Santos and Vanie Gandler know just how vital their roles are in Cignal’s campaign in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
Tasked with carrying much of the scoring load, the duo has consistently delivered the points the Super Spikers need, providing a steady offensive spark while also contributing in other facets to keep the team in control.
Sensing the weight of that responsibility, Santos and Gandler have made it a point to have each other’s backs on both ends of the floor, keeping Cignal steady not just offensively but defensively as well.
“Nung mga previous games, nag-uusap kami ni Vanie—personally,” shared Santos, who is now in her fourth conference with the Super Spikers.
“Sinasabi ko sa kanya, at sinasabi niya rin sa akin, na mag-cover up kami sa isa’t isa kasi bawal kaming mawala. Na-mo-motivate ako kasi nakikita ko na tina-trust niya ako, so binabalik ko rin sa kanya yung trust.”
From Gandler’s perspective, that balance has become their guiding mindset on the floor—when Santos is firing on offense, she steps up defensively, and when it’s her turn to score, Santos takes charge on the other end to keep Cignal in rhythm.
(C) PVL Images
“I think we all just play very selflessly. Nobody wants to be the star. We just try to cover for each other in whatever way that is—if it’s starting from the passes,” Gandler said.
“If Erika is doing better in offense this day, I try to do my best to have good first balls. If she’s struggling, I try to step up also.”
That mutual understanding was on full display as the duo spearheaded the Super Spikers’ 23-25, 25-14, 25-11, 25-12 victory over Farm Fresh to open their semifinals campaign on a winning note and move a step closer to a return to the Finals.
Both players took turns carrying the offensive load for Cignal, with Santos finishing with 21 points while Gandler chipped in 18 points and six excellent receptions, underscoring their balanced impact on both ends of the floor.
Gandler, however, was quick to point out that it’s not just the two of them doing the heavy lifting, as the entire Cignal squad has been stepping up when needed, helping mold the Super Spikers into the well-oiled machine they have become.
“But it’s not just me, the whole team plays very selflessly. So I think it’s that support system we have with one another. We allow each other to make errors; we allow each other to have the time to recover,” said the Alas Pilipinas standout.
Santos added that Cignal as a whole is fully aware of the challenge ahead, with tough battles against Creamline and PLDT looming, but remains focused on sustaining its form as it pushes for a return to the Finals.
“Yung mga games na ’to sa semis, must-win talaga sila. Bawal kang maging complacent. Kahit may win ka, hindi basta-basta makaka-assure ka sa spot mo doon sa Finals,” Santos said.
#WATCH: ONE DOWN FOR SUPER SPIKERS 🏐
Shaq Delos Santos, Vanie Gandler, and Erika Santos talk about their come-from-behind #PVL2026 semis win over Farm Fresh and their upcoming match against Creamline#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/rg5WyfhBDC
📹 @jonashdcd /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/oH1P3Baoxi
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) April 11, 2026
